My baby is 21

 

21 years ago in the absolute quiet morning, I quietly woke Andrew up and said it was time. He thought I was joking because I was early, he said to have the baby. I said yes. She was ready to come fast and furious, I am surprised she was not delivered in the elevator, 1 hour later our sweet baby girl enters the world with a scream so loud everyone in the hospital heard her.

Then before I knew it, it was time for me to go back to work and we needed to leave her with a babysitter, I wasn’t ready, I asked for just one more minute.

Then school time came, and this mommy's heart broke as Daddy walked her thru the school and helped her find her classroom, I wasn’t ready, I need one more minute…

High school came in the blink of an eye, and she no longer wanted Daddy to walk her to her class.

Then she turned 16 and was able to get a drivers permit well that was crazy, wasn’t she just a baby toddling off in her diaper…she got her drivers license with no issues at all.

Graduated in the middle of COVID pandemic-  

About to have three University degrees but when I think about how fast she grew up. Having a daughter is nothing like I thought it would be. 

You see, the moment that the doctor screamed “It’s a girl!” all I could picture was ribbons and bows; shopping trips and princess movies. 

And while I have enjoyed choosing a matching bow to go with her dresses many moons ago, and admittedly walking through a store with her is a load of fun - 

Being a mother to a daughter is so much more than that. 

It’s repeating her worth to her. Over and over (and over) again. It’s repeating it so many times that she gets tired of hearing it - In hopes that she’ll never forget it. 

It’s reassuring her that she is capable. Capable of whatever she decides to set her sights on. Capable of skills that others will attempt to diminish just because she’s ‘a girl’. Capable of achieving dreams, goals, and desires that would not only break glass ceilings - But would shatter them. 

It’s showing her that she is strong. Strong in physical ability; strong in emotional ability. Strong enough to carry in the groceries herself, while being strong enough to tend to the hearts of others. Strong enough to walk through a world that will doubt her strength - With a head held high, and one mean handshake. 

It’s encouraging her heart to have faith. 

To have the knowledge that she is never alone. 

To be able to sit when life is heavy, and know that she doesn’t carry her burdens without help. 

To be confident enough to have trust in her choices - Knowing that she is being guided along the way. The ability to place her hand over her heart, and know that she was given that rhythmic beat for a reason; a belief that she is here for a purpose. 

It’s reminding her that her body is a vessel to be loved, respected, and adored; that it is not to be used, abused, nor taken for granted. Telling her that it will grow hips, and courage. Stretch marks, and bravery. Wrinkles, and strength. And reminding her to never look at it as anything less than the (beautiful) temple that it is. 

So, no, having a daughter is nothing like I thought it would be.

It is so (very) much more.

All I ask is just one minute, one minute more. 

One minute more before she spreads her wings to fly, she will graduate university next year with her first degree, then the year after with her education degree. Then she will be Ms. Brooke Grothe, BA, BEd

So Happy 21st Birthday sweet girl. Your mom loves everything about you