Birthdays, Growing up, and snow

It is Sunday and I'm looking out at a landscape of white...it is beautiful.

Martha turned 13 yesterday. She is a teenager. I am so thankful and so blessed to have such a wonderful daughter. She is not a bitter, rebellious, angry teen. She does not embody some of the teen traits that repulse me...selfishness, narcissism, laziness, arrogance, and thoughtlessness....no, she is not that. Martha is all sweetness, gentleness, innocence, and joy. She loves children (especially babies!) and she loves life. She has a simple way about her- not shallow- just simple and straightforward. She brings me great joy and happiness- every day. She surprises me with her intuition. She is my special girl- a gift from God. I know my life would be very different today without my children...circumstances I cannot think about.

I gave up trying to predict her life and I am giving up trying to control it. Oh, I want to influence her...just not control. What a big difference. I look forward to each day ahead. There are wonderful growing opportunities yet to come...and I can't believe I will be able to walk through them alongside her- for a few more years, anyway. Some day I will have to say good bye and watch her move on out of our house..until then I will say "good night" each night, give many hugs, and be there for any conversation.

Thank you, God, for my daughter.