ROOTED IN FAITH

All morning there were signs
Teeny ones
Tiny markers
Signs of our tie
The invisible elastic band.

Impromptu tender cuddles
Her head leaning gently against my arm
Giggles and private jokes
Placing little feed into lighty-up shoes

Usually, “I can do it by mine-self!”
Today, sitting and enjoying
As I lovingly close the straps.
As I mind her.
The subtle signs of knowing.
Knowing that her next step in independence
Lies mere minutes away.

I notice those tiny markers.
Her grip tightening
An almost indiscernible amount
To our mummy-daughter elastic band.
As she sits still (really?) and
Soaks in my hands
Running curl cream through her hair.

And then we’re away.
Excitement prevails.
Unaware of the rising emotions in her mummy and daddy.
“Don’t set me off”, I whisper.
A knowing smile from hubby.
As she prays,

“Dear Jesus, thank you that I’m going to playschool
And
Thank you that I’m so excited!”

My heart swells.

That’s my girl.

We park the car and I quickly glance.
Through the rearview mirror I spot
One brief look of worry
A quick shadow passes over
Then promptly disappears.
Replaced with steely determination.

Wow. I see you, girl.
Mummy SEES you.

The heavy backpack weighs her down.
Almost comical.
She totters unsteadily.
“Can I hold it for you?”
“No, mummy”.

A few more steps.
I ask again.
“No, mummy”.
And again.
This time the response is kind but firm.
“NO. Mummy”

There it is.
The elastic band stretches further.
She has fully stepped into those
‘Big Girl shoes’.
Don’t worry, mummy. I’ve got this.
I’ve got this, and I’m more than ready!

Her ‘big girl’ era.

My heart swells.

That’s my girl.