Her Wings Are Ready

Reflections on a Daughter's Soon Departure to Adulthood

I pushed her infant body into the outside world, for her first taste of air and freedom.

I pushed her stroller up hills, and over cracks in sidewalks, singing to her in the sunshine.

I pushed her back-and-forth, back-and-forth, higher and higher on the neighborhood swing.

I ran alongside her bicycle and then let go.

I carried her inside for bandaids and snacks.

I watched her paint, cut and glue things daily.

I led her into churches and classrooms—she happily walked in.

I led her into dance class, her hair spun in a bun, and she pranced confidently up to the teacher.

I led her into theater camp where she stood up and sang in front of strangers and made a new friend.

I took her to Florida to see Mickey and Minnie. She rode every ride with pink polka dot ears for 5 days straight.

I took her to Colorado where she went kayaking, horseback riding, and hiked up Spud Mountain.

I took her to Yosemite where she climbed to the top of Vernal Falls, struck a ballet pose at Glacier point, and was dwarfed by the giant sequoias.

I drove her to high school, where she joined choir, theatre, and the national honor society.

And then one morning she drove herself to school– and I returned to work alone.

She went to a football game and unexpectedly fell in love with a boy in the bleachers.

She went to her first concert, danced, sang and bought the t-shirt.

She drove three hours for college a visit and fell in love with the campus spirit and opportunities.

They liked her too and accepted her application.

Soon, she’ll pack up the memories and create a space all her own with no one pushing her or holding her hand.

She’s fully capable of writing this next chapter all on her own, with her own vocabulary, style and illustrations.

I miss the girl in the stroller, the sticky hands held tight walking up to the next new thing, and listening to her stories while driving her places. I miss doing so many activities and exploring new places together.

But more importantly, I’m excited to see all the places she can enter on her own in bold faith because the Spirit of power, love, and a sound mind accompanies her wherever she goes.

I’m about to watch this butterfly take flight in full living color. When she spreads those velvety, vivacious wings, time stands still. Do not underestimate this beautiful creature. “Though she be but little, she is fierce.”

She is ready to take wing and enjoy our Father’s world one day at a time on her own. Her journey of metamorphosis has been a mother’s delight.

Daughter, I wish you sweet nectar and glorious fields of flowers. I wish you places of refuge and places of open sky and fresh air. I wish you to repeat the joys I’ve known raising you.

You were never mine to keep, only mine to love until you got your wings to fly away. I know you’re ready to take flight and I wouldn’t dare stop you. I love watching you embrace new horizons.

Love,

Your Mom