metamorphosis......

metamorphosis: 

change of appearance or character: a complete or marked change in appearance, character, or condition                                                  Microsoft® Encarta® 2007. © 1993-2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved         

 
My baby is growing up.  My little girl is little no more.  I no longer rock and sing her to sleep while she is curled into my body.  She doesn't fit herself into my lap with her thumb creeping into her mouth when tired.  I can't carry her.  We don't hold hands while crossing the street (although sometimes we do hold hands).  She isn't afraid of the dark anymore and will sleep with the bedroom door CLOSED.  She is adept at using a sharp knife and can feed herself when hungry.  When she stands next to me she looks me in the eye.  She can plan her work and work her plan.  She is on the way to becoming a woman.

How can I be happy and sad at the same time?  Where have all the years gone?  I miss the smell of baby powder and shampoo on her skin, her needing the boo-boo bunny for an owie.  I miss her sitting patiently, and sometimes not, in her chair waiting for lunch.  I miss her going to bed while it was still light out.  I love that little girl and miss her dearly, but I love this young woman I currently spend my days with. 

I love her independence & confidence.  Her strength & fearlessness.  Her high standards & work ethic.  Her good grades & book smarts.  Her athleticism & talents.  Her sweet spirit & faith.

So Katie, my darling daughter, this is for you. 
I can't believe you are 15! 

 Right now I have a prayer deep within my heart,

a prayer for each of you there is a special part.

That you remember who you are and he who lives above.

Please seek for him and live his way; you'll feel his love.

 

Walk tall, you're a daughter, a child of God.
Be strong and remember who you are;
try to understand,
you're part of his great plan.
He's closer than you know.
Reach up; he'll take your hand.

Long before the time you can remember,

our Father held you in his arms so tender.

Those loving arms released you as he sent you down to earth.

He said, "My child I love you. Don't forget your great worth."

 

Walk tall, you're a daughter, a child of God.

Be strong and remember who you are;

try to understand, you're part of His great plan.

He's closer than you know.

Reach up;  he'll take your hand.

 

This life on earth we knew would not be easy

at times we lose our way his path we may not see.

But remember always that you are not alone.

He'll take your hand.

He loves you;  He will guide you home.

 

Walk tall, you're a daughter, a child of God.

Be strong and remember who you are;

try to understand, you're part of His great plan.

He's closer than you know.

Reach up; he'll take your hand.

*words & music by Jamie Glen and Janice Kapp Perry