Little girls grow up

I still remember the day that I had her.  She was so tiny and precious, and I never wanted to let her go.  It was still amazing that I was able to hold her and kiss her and love her.  I had so much love to give to her, and it just overflowed the minute they placed her in my arms.  It seems like only yesterday that she was hiding in the kitchen cabinets, running down the hall of our apartment, learning how to use the potty, dumping full bottles of shampoo into the bathtub, you know kids things!  LOL!!  But now, she is this beautiful young lady, and I wonder where my little child went.


Today she began the long 2 week process of the Junior Dogwood Pageant.  She did this pageant when she was 7 years old, but now they have it for 13 year olds and she has decided to enter.  I always knew that my child was beautiful, but as I watch her grow and become her own person, she continues to amaze me.  Her beauty is not just an outward appearance, but also a strong inward appearance.  I continue to look at her pictures from the parade, and I wonder where the time went.  I wonder how fast the next 5 years are going to go.  I know that I can't hold her hand forever, but I sure would like to.  I must admit, I have had fun dressing her  up and getting ready for the pageant, although it has had it's very stressful moments.  I don't even care if she wins or not at this point, I have just enjoyed the time with her.  I have loved seeing her in dresses, and flowers in her hair.  I have enjoyed seeing the excitement in her eyes when we got something for her dress, or when her Grammie found the perfect necklace.  Those moments of joy and laughter and fun are worth every minute.  Thank you Lord for giving me this time with my daughter.  I will cherish it always, and I am so thankful that you gave her to me to watch over and to grow.  I only pray that I have done and will continue to do a good job.  Amen