My Saturday morning was spent packing up my maternity clothes no longer worn. It was time to pack them away. A tough thing…tucking them into a box for the last time.
Sitting among that pile of clothes, I began to recall memories while wearing them. Time stood still for most of the day. Eventually, I had to walk away to pull myself back together. Going into the kitchen, I found a letter sitting on the counter that had come in the mail that morning addressed to Stevie and decided to deliver it to her. When I opened her bedroom door, I found her sitting on the floor quietly packing her possessions into a box to be taken to her new home.
A tear in my eye…was there a tear in hers as well? I believe so.
Until that moment, I had been so busy with Wedding preparations, First Communion plans, Confirmation practices, and Little League ball games that I hadn’t taken the time to ponder what the coming weekend really means. It means…Stevie will no longer be coming home here to us, but rather she’ll be going home to her new life and husband.
There is much joy in knowing that our daughter has been raised and is planning a life of her own. There is much joy in knowing that the man she will marry loves her very much and will take good care of her. There is also overwhelming joy in knowing that soon she will be mothering a child of her own.
Yet…there is some sadness that only a mother could feel. How do you let someone go that has shined in your life for the past twenty-one years? How do you let someone else take over your job of caring for them?
I only hope that by God’s grace it doesn’t take me too long to figure it out.
A Daughter's Gift
By Robert Sexton
When I imagine
the life you will live,
I think of the pleasure
your presence will give.
I see the joy your smile will light
and the wonders you'll weave
when your dreams take flight.
I feel the hope
that will grow with your grace
and the difference you'll make
to each heart you embrace.
I imagine your life
as I know it will be;
for, my daughter, you've given
all this to me.
Oh Donna, now I'm remembering when MY daughter left home! You have a beautiful way with words. I pray you all have a joyous weekend!
Posted by: Paula in MN | May 23, 2007 at 05:43 PM
Dear Donna,
You've got me in tears.I'm praying for all of you this week and in the months to come. What an exciting, joyful, bittersweet time this will be.
Posted by: Elizabeth Foss | May 24, 2007 at 07:03 PM
What a touching tribute. Praying for you all this weekend.
Posted by: MaryM | May 24, 2007 at 11:13 PM
Oh, Donna...so very beautiful...I'm crying thinking of my children...
Sending lots of love and hugs...
Posted by: Maria | May 25, 2007 at 12:25 AM
Dona, this is such a beautiful post. It had me so captivated. You are so blessed to have such a beautiful daughter and you are such a wonderful example of what a mother should be. Thank you for sharing your life with us. You're in my prayers, especially this weekend.
Posted by: Ruth | May 25, 2007 at 08:51 PM
Beautiful, bittersweet post, Donna. I'm in tears, and you're all in my prayers.
Posted by: Karen E. | May 26, 2007 at 04:19 PM
Donna, this is so beautiful. Words I will treasure as well in the few years I have left with my oldest dd.
Posted by: Chelsea | May 28, 2007 at 11:26 AM
Oops. the last post is mine. I forgot to change the name. LOL
Posted by: Cay | May 28, 2007 at 11:27 AM