Thursday, May 01, 2014

Declaration of Independence

It's May Day!

But for me, it's more like, "Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!"

Because I need help. Help accepting reality, that is.

My baby girl is an adult now. She's 18, and there's nothing I can do to change that fact.
She will graduate from high school one month from today.
She's all signed up for college and will be heading to Wheaton in August.
AND, the other night she came to Brian and I with a declaration of independence.
In Elizabeth's sweet and sensitive nature she said, "I need your help. Most of the times when I have an opinion, it's because you two have told me what you think, and I choose to think the same. And I know I need to think on my own now. I also need to do more things on my own. Even though I'm not very good at it, and I don't like to. I need your help to get me to do things on my own."
(OK, that's what she said, roughly.)
She followed up with some sort of statement about not wanting to hurt our feelings by saying these things. And I thought, Oh, sweetheart. Those words do hurt. But that's OK. You're growing up, and you are becoming independent. All of it is good and right. But it does hurt a little.

So, I guess now we sign the document and face the fact that our little girl is, well, not so little anymore.

Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!

Karen

4 comments:

Leah Adams said...

Ah, change. I know you have raised her well, and she will do just fine in this next phase of her life. I am now at the other end of the spectrum. My Mother, recently diagnosed with dementia, has now taken on the 'child' role, and my sister and I have become the parents. Ugh! Not fun, but God is so present with us, as He will be with you and Brian as you send Elizabeth off into the world.

Salvage Sister & Mister said...

Our oldest will be 18 in September so we are right behind you!

Karen Hossink said...

Leah - As you know, I see people in your shoes all the time now. In the midst of your change, I trust and pray God will continue to show Himself faithful.
Ahhhhh, even though the world around us keeps changing, HE never does. Sooooo thankful!

Deborah - Even though it's kinda sad, it's fun, too. Don't you think? :)

Anonymous said...

awww, congratulations on raising an awesome daughter!! I don't even want to think of my babies all grown up--and I know it will come so fast. Times are changing huh. Mommy-daughter days will never get old though!!(well, I hope so at least) hugs***Chera