Finding delight continues and today, I am finding delight in Growth.
Growth is often visible – like the height of a child and the blooming of a flower – but most times growing is only felt by the person going through the process. I have a front-row seat to watch my children unfold, become themselves, and become contributors to the cycle of life. Most times I see their growth at home when I don’t have to remind them of their chores. Or when they say something extremely intelligent or creative or funny, I have to look at their lips to make sure such wisdom is coming from their mouths. I glance little parts of their personalities and growth when they interact with others, and I think to myself:
I would still like these little people even if they weren’t my children.
As I wait to see my doctor and discuss options for the removal of my ovaries, the growth of my children is obvious. They are thoughtful and helpful. Zahara turned 12 a few weeks ago, and it’s her first time staying home to kids-sit, not babysit, Markolee. Zuri is in Winn Dixie shopping for this week’s grocery, and I am sitting in the car – browsing through Barefoot Contessa family Style- waiting for her call. Sometimes we are pushed to Grow. If it weren’t for endometriosis that restrains my activities, Zuri would not be gaining her independence; walking down the aisles, ordering deli meat for lunch, and checking things off the list.
A few weeks ago, a friend shared some wisdom with me. Once her daughter got her driver’s permit, she moved from behind the wheel and let her daughter drive for an entire year. The genius in this is: it only takes twenty-one days to form a new habit. A year of safe driving with mom was enough time to ensure her daughter was responsible on the road. It was enough time to share stories and bond and answer questions and make corrections and guide her. Growth is learning to let go and accept help. Growth is learning to trust that our children have watched us, they have learned from us and some point, it is time to let go and let them try. Growth is letting them learn to stand on their own feet. Pulling back is difficult, but it is an absolute delight to watch each of my children GROW.
As always, don’t be a ghost. If you have read this far, BE PRESENT and PARTICIPATE in one of three ways. Press the LOVE button, sign your name in the comment box or better yet, challenge yourself and leave a comment. Here’s a question to get you started.
In what small way have you grown?
4 Comments
Lorna Howell
I beg to differ the old business, rather I would use these words instead: mature, wiser and blessed. We are mature to acknowledge growth, wiser to teach the young and blessed because we are here witnessing the blooming growth of the next generation.
Kadine; like you said in your blog that if those little people weren’t your children you would still love them, I guess you can imagine that that’s how I feel about you my dear, even if you weren’t my daughter i would still love the heck out of you. Reading your writings really inspires and encourages your readers who are blessed to be apart of your circle. May you continue to write with the wisdom that has been bestowed upon you from our Creator. I know Endometriosis is big but you’re BIGGER.
Kadinechristie
Well, those are great words, mommy – I will take them. I especially love “blooming growth of the next generation and that you would love the heck out of me.” That’s the closest you get to a profanity:-)
Stacy
So…. Zuri can drive and grocery shop? OOMG! I am officially old
Kadinechristie
I’m so sorry to be the one to tell you but yes. We are both officially older than we were yesterday:-)