A Mother and Her Daughter(s)

Yesterday, as we met with our realtor, I cleaned like a madwoman, escorted Leighton to and from VBS, made dinner, attempted to entertain the kids in all the rush, there was a little voice that never stopped.  Ainsley never stopped talking.  She never stopped asking questions.  She never left my side.  In fact, I think she had one part of her body touching mine the entire day.  And yesterday, I think I said to her, "Ainsley, I just need 5 minutes of silence." 

Today, is a whole different story.  I decided Ainsley needed a day at the sitter since life working my "day job" is quickly approaching.  She and I have gotten pretty attached this summer and I knew we both needed some time apart to start the adjustment "back to school."  Leighton didn't make a peep on the way to VBS.  And as I walked back to the car empty handed this morning, the silence was deafening.  I wanted to hear Ainsley's sweet little voice.  I wanted to hold her hand and hear her say Momma.  And then when I got home I ran across this post one of my dear friends linked to her FB.   It says it so much better than I ever could.  I pray I can be that kind of daughter to my own mother.  More importantly, I pray my own daughters will see me as that kind, patient, and loving mother to them. 

This is a repost from Spring in the Air
Letter from a Mother to a Daughter: "My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”… Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep. When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl? When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way… remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day… the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If I occasionaly lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you. And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked. When those days come, don’t feel sad… just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you… my darling daughter."

Miss ya Mom. xo