My daughter hit puberty hard and fast at the very early age of 10 and a half. I knew it was coming so we were prepared for the physical changes... but it was brutal to see her navigate these waters alone in her peer group. And I had forgotten how the it would affect her emotionally and spiritually. And I had no idea of how it would impact my life. Clueless.
She is on the verge of turning 14 and the last few years have been particularly rough. She has been absent a good majority of the time. Absent in spirit - lurking on the outside of family life, reluctant to participate in conversation, surly and sullen. I missed her so much my heart ached.
This summer was dreadful. I wondered if we would constantly be at battle. I wondered if we would ever share laughter or delight again. I wondered why she couldn't stand to be around us.
But, the last few months she has changed. The darkness is still there but there are moments of light. She is intense and a dancer. She is full of drama but she is insightful. She is learning to laugh at herself. She is coming back to us and I am flattened in thanksgiving.
My heart is pierced by her love and her willingness to allow me back into her life.
3 comments:
While I know there will be stumbles along the road for you and your daughter (and I often call my mom and say, "remember when I was 12? Sorry about that" and I only have boys) thanks be to God for you. Yay!
Glad to hear this. I pray that the road can continue to hold light... God does not abandon us!
You've done good work with her - that's why she has come back.
I know you will enjoy each other...
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