Independence Day

A memo sent home on Friday from my daughter's elementary school:

On Monday, August 25, 2008, we will celebrate our students' 'independence' by participating in our very own Independence Day. Students will be dropped off at the front of the building and walk independently to class.

Sounds simple enough, eh? If you're the kid, maybe. But when you're the mom?!? **sniff, sniff**

Rachel did great. We hugged and kissed before we left the house, since I knew I'd have to pull up, let her out, and then keep moving. (There's a line and order to maintain, you know!) She had a huge smile and a big wave as she and her larger-than-life princess backpack skipped down the sidewalk and into the front doors where the principal was standing watch. I knew she was happy, I knew she was brave, I knew she was safe. She was certainly fine, but it was still all I could do not to cry the entire way to work.

There's a tiny little part of me that wishes she still "needed" me more, and I try to let that tiny little part be completely overshadowed by the joy and pride of knowing that I raised a good kid, a brave kid, a strong kid, a happy kid. But it's still really hard on a mom, ya know?!?

The past few weeks have been difficult for me. Rachel fell at summer camp and required 7 stitches in her chin. Then came her 5th birthday party, with 60+ people at our house. Then back to school, which was exciting and scary for all of us. Then at work, I had to let 2 people go due to the economic downturn, and have wondered if I'll still have a job by the time this year is through, for the very same reason. There's a lot going on, a lot to bog a gal down, and it's been hard to keep my head far enough above water to see the sunshine these past few weeks.

This morning, though, hard as it was to watch my little girl be so independent, I also realized that her independence was just the sunshine I've been looking for. I certainly can't take all the credit for her being so amazing... she has a great dad, a great extended family, and a great head on her shoulders. But ya know what, she's got a great mom, too. She's happy, she's healthy, and she's thriving. That's the brightest sunshine a lady could ask for, and if it means she's more independent from Mom in the process, then so be it.

So today, I declare Independence Day for both of us. For Rachel, it's independence from Mom walking her to her classroom. For Mom, it's independence from doubt -- doubt about if she'll be OK, doubt about whether or not we've prepared her well enough for kindergarten and all the comes with it, doubt about my own ability to handle my little girl growing up. She will be OK, we have prepared her well enough and I can handle this. I know I can, I know I can, I know I can... of course, I may be asking for support from another bag of peanut butter cookies.....

Happy Birthday Rachie Roo!

I don't know where the time goes... seems like just yesterday that she was born. Six pounds, two ounces, and 3 weeks ahead of schedule. Today she turns five.

Rachel is the kindest, sweetest person I know. She's smart, funny, creative, stubborn and beautiful. She's got a temper to match the fiery red hair, and a smile to make it not matter a bit. She loves pink, princesses, craft projects and chocolate. I love her beyond measure, and I can't imagine my life without her.

Friday she had an accident at summer camp, cracked the bottom of her chin on the edge of the pool. Seven stitches. She was so brave, so tough, so unlike I would have been. She has a heart of gold, a will of steel, and a courage unmatched in any child I've ever known. She amazes me daily, inspires me always, and never ceases to make my heart smile.

What a blessing she has been in my life, one I thank God for daily. The doctors told me I'd never carry a pregnancy to term, yet I've been blessed with two perfect miracles that remind me never to give up, always to look for the best in life, and never to settle for anything less than your heart can dream.

To my beautiful, amazing, sweet, funny little girl, may your life be blessed with the love, the joy and the perspective with which you have blessed mine.

Happy, Happy 5th Birthday, Rachel!

Love,
Mommy

Rachel's Kindness

Bloggers Unite challenges bloggers everywhere, on December 17th, to do something good offline — an act of kindness — and then post about it on their blogs. The Acts of Kindness bloggers unite challenge aims at putting a human face on bloggers who are responsible for so much good in the world. The goal is to expose their kindness and generosity as well as serve as an example to non-bloggers that volunteering for a charity, donating to a cause, or simply doing something kind for another person has a ripple effect around the world.

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I have been granted a world full of blessings... good health, a good job, great friends and most important of all, an amazing family. I have two beautiful daughters, both of whom remind me daily that God is good. Today, I take on the Bloggers Unite challenge by blogging not about myself, but about one of my greatest blessings in life, my beautiful little girl, Rachel.
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Technically, I'm not following the Bloggers Unite rules. I'm supposed to do the Act of Kindness today and then write about it... but the deeds Rachel has already done are too important to be overlooked, and I want to make sure she gets credit for her kindness, especially when it was done so generously and without prompting.
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Rachel is 4 years old. She's smarter than most 6 years olds... most 16 years old, too. She has an amazing memory and a desire to learn all things, all the time. But much more important than her brain, I think, is her great big heart.
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As a mom, there are so many things I try to teach my children, and as a mom, nothing could make me more proud than to watch Rachel living one of the most important lessons I've tried to teach her: Be kind to others and the world.
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Inspired by the good people at CoolPeopleCare, I decided to take on the Make a Difference Day challenge on October 27 by organizing a "get out, do good" event for my local community. For our event, we visited an assisted living community near our home. Along with some other volunteers, we gave "mini makeovers" to almost 20 women there. They had a great time being pampered, but even more fun watching the kids that we brought along with us. Rachel had such a great time with "the grandmas" that she asked to go back and visit again.
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On Thanksgiving Day, we spent some time in the afternoon sharing our family with the residents there who didn't have family close by for the holiday. My husband and I called a game of BINGO! while Rachel visited with her "grandma friends." The following weekend, Rachel and I helped decorate for the holidays, and Rachel refused to leave until each and every one of "her grandmas" had a hand drawn picture to hang in their room. Two weekends ago, Rachel patiently and meticulous helped me make holiday decorations, which we stopped by to "quickly drop off" this past weekend. Rachel, however, was unwilling to drop them off and leave. She wanted to hand one ornament out to each of the residents. She walked around the room, picking an ornament to match each person's outfit. Ms. Caroline was wearing green so she got a Christmas tree. Ms. Elsie was wearing blue, so she got a blue stocking. She gave each resident a hug and a smile and an ornament. They love to see her when she visits, and she loves them all right back.
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I'm not sure if Rachel really understands the magnitude of the difference she's making. I have lots of other stories about Rachel's big heart, her desire to help those less fortunate, and the beautiful examples of her kindness in action. The most amazing part, though, is that her motives are so pure. She knows that she's putting a smile on someone else's face, which in turn puts a smile on hers. And of course, all those smiles put a smile not only on my face, but also in my heart.
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So Rachel, my amazing, beautiful, selfless little girl... know that Mommy loves you and admires you and is more proud of you than you will ever know. If everyone in this world was even a fraction as kind and open and loving as you are, this world would be such a better place. Thank you for being so kind, so loving, and for making me so proud. Today and always, I love you!