Today I am reminded that my children are growing up.
I caught a glimpse from the kitchen window, after dinner, of my daughter’s white dress on the clothesline.
For a moment, it was simply a dress, As the sun spotlighted it, and it gently swayed in the summer breeze, it transported me to what seems like just this morning.
My daughter, small and twirling in the rays of the sun surrounded by dancing dust that in the light’s reflection sparkled like glitter.
In the silence of my thoughts, I heard her tiny giggles and saw her tiny feet dancing in a carefree cadence to music only she could hear.
A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth as I thought about her leaping, chasing butterflies, her silk-like, golden hair bouncing behind her.
For a moment, I saw the walls of flowers that surrounded her as she joyfully pranced through the meadow, her milky white skin so pale against the brilliant blue sky. I remembered her tiny dresses with dainty and delicate flowers printed or stitched into them.
The delicate lace of her dress standing out against the simplicity of her.
My daughter, just yesterday seemed so small, so fragile.
Her beauty, her passion, it takes my breath away.
Once, a child who begged me to “zipper me up”, now emerges from her room clothed without my help.
Once upon a time, we snuggled on the couch to stories of princesses and the kingdoms their love built. She begged for satin bows and pigtails.
It does not escape me.
The moments of my daughter being small.
I remember her petite hand in mine and the squeaky voice that told me about fairies that flew and danced in the wind.
A deep breath and I remembered her chubby feet clomping around in my high heels.
I remember I told her she looked like a Princess and she reminded me, “Not the Princess. I’m the Queen!”
Last week, I sat on the floor in the middle of Target and cried.
We had to leave the “girl’s department” and now we shop in the “Junior’s” department. I was not prepared for this. I wanted her to be my baby forever.
Instead, I’m reminded of a white dress, hanging on my clothesline, waiting to be brought in and tucked away as a keepsake with notes from Mom of how small she once was and how full she fills my heart.
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The White Dress pictured is The Novelty Jacquard Dress from US Angels, which I received in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.