Julie is going on her first date tomorrow night. It's a Sadie Hawkins dance for Valentine's Day. She is 16 now and that's the age we let our kids start dating. She's a sophomore and to tell you the truth I would just as soon she would have waited one more year to go to a formal dance. She asked us about a month ago if she could ask someone to the dance and we said yes. I don't think I was very committed to the "yes", at least not as committed as Rob was. He has been through this before --several times. This is my first rodeo.
In some very real ways, Julie is my first born. I know that doesn't make a ton of sense but it does to me and I think to her. She not only prayed me here but she really wanted me to be her Mom. She accepted me from day one and she was my baby (the baby) of the family when I got here. I feel very protective over her.
I'm finding it very hard to let her grow up. It's been a tough week for me but I think I'm may just grow up yet. At her age we have her group date. She doesn't have her license yet so we were going to drive them to and from the daytime date and the dinner and dance. They could have gone with the group of teens but we weren't crazy about them driving around with a bunch of other teens who hadn't been driving for too long. We also haven't met this young man she is going with so we wanted to be sure to meet him as well. I planned that Rob and I would drive them to the restaurant and then eat dinner there also just not anywhere near them.
Yah, I know. Sounds a bit like a stage mother, eh? Well, for the last two days I have been thinking things over in my head and realizing how much I would have wanted to be trusted and have some freedom at this age. (Oh wait, I was and I did. Thanks Dad and Mom! Were you CRAZY?!) Plus, I have this incredibly wonderful young woman who has earned my trust and who is a really good girl--I should relax and give it to her.
It is really hard being a mom in today's world with so much gunk going on. Tomorrow my little girl who should still be eleven is sixteen going on thirty and will be going to her first dance with a boy. I hate it that I can't be there to hold her hand. I hate it even more that she doesn't want me there to hold her hand. It isn't easy for Mommie's to grow up but I am determined to do it and get it right. Although, I do not promise to do it without tears!
So, tomorrow Julie will be going with the other teens all day and evening on her date and the only time Rob and I will interfere is to pick them up when the dance is over and take them home. (That was Rob's idea--not mine.) I think it's a good one. Although, Julie is going to make sure we meet him before they leave.
Wow, kids grow up just way too fast. Next thing you know I'll be writing this about Carly. AHHHHH! I can't even think about that. I love you Julie with all my heart. Mom
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