Dreams for My Daughters

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dreamsTypically she’s not so clingy, but her hands seem to permanently reside in her mouth these days, so I know she’s teething. She’s been a great baby and I would generally be able to plop her in the crib for a nap and just walk away. Today was a different story. She wouldn’t let go of me, crying out “mama” as I walked away. She’s almost two and I know these days are numbered, so I took advantage. I cuddled her in my arms and settled back into the rocker, just as I used to do eight months ago before she stopped nursing. Her eyes fixed on mine for several minutes and a big smile grew over her face as her long lashes fell.

Her smile slowly dissipated as she fell deeper into sleep, and I thought about how quickly it had all gone. How quickly it will continue to go. Her body started to twitch and as she started dreaming, I began to dream with her. Dreams of what I wish for both of my sweet baby girls. These are just a few of the thoughts that crossed my mind as I watched her sleep, my hopes for her as she continues to grow:

  • I hope she will always be comfortable saying “no.” I want her to realize her limits and when she’s reached them, not wavering in her desire to stop whatever it is she’s doing. May she also always be surrounded by people who respect that decision.
  • I hope she always feels beautiful, but realizes that her true beauty comes from who she is, not what she looks like.
  • I hope she always feels compassion for others. I never want her to feel like she’s better than anyone else, whether she’s been more privileged, received a better education or has cooler shoes than the person standing next to her.
  • I hope she always loves what she sees in the mirror. Whether she’s standing there in a swimsuit or looking deeply into her own eyes, I want her to love that reflection and never live with regrets.
  • I hope she always yearns for adventure. Whether it’s exploring foreign lands, the pages of a book or her own back yard, I want her to always want to be excited by what exists beyond what she knows.
  • I hope she respects nature. From the herbs on her porch to the trees in her yard to the waste she produces, I hope she always has an appreciation for the amazing ecosystem that surrounds her.
  • I hope she can always admit when she’s wrong. While I pray her confidence always shines, I also hope she can acknowledge when she’s at fault.
  • I hope she always values her education. May her thirst for knowledge and information be unquenchable.
  • I hope she has the opportunity to have the same impact on someone else that she’s had on me. She – both of our babes – have transformed my black and white life into technicolor. May she have that experience.

As you continue to grow, sweet M and Q, our dream is that you become exactly who you want to be. May you always know that you have the never-ending support of your mom and dad in becoming that person. xx

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