Last night was a heart bursting moment. These can be hard to come by so you treasure them when you have them.
I wasn’t really expecting it. You see, it followed a week. The type of week you are happy to wrap up with a bow and leave behind. Why it was a week is neither here nor there, but suffice to say…bye bye.
My oldest daughter had finals all week, which is stressful – particularly when you’re a high school freshman. On top of finals, her school had their first formal dance last night. Not the best scheduling, if you ask me, but in any case…..these kids needed to survive finals, figure out the whole dating thing, and be ready for a night of fun.
We had the perfect dress. Rose gold sequins – her choice, not mine – but I LOVED it. Except she decided the perfect dress was slightly too big a few days before the dance – just enough time to order the same dress online – a size smaller. I’m a big believer in having the perfect dress that you love, so check. Two day shipping. Then two dresses. Two sizes. All good. And she was right – the smaller size did look better.
Then I left work early Friday to get our nails done – fingers and toes. Nothing is more relaxing (except perhaps a dream massage) than a good mani/pedi. I embrace the fact that she is happy to go with me instead of friends. It won’t be like this forever, I know. So you soak.it.up.
Then Saturday was full of prep, getting ready with girlfriends, a hefty snack before the festivities began…and then the big moment.
I swear I had a glimpse into her wedding day. Not anything silly like her future husband or anything. But my daughter, strong and powerful and beautiful. Comfortable in her skin and looking forward to an incredible evening. My heart was bursting.
Bursting with pride for her seamless transition to high school. Bursting with gratitude for her happiness and confidence. Bursting with joy that she is joyful. And bursting with love, love, love.
Her date (and his mom:) picked her up and off they went to a pre-party with 40 of their friends. My good friend was the host and as luck had it, I dropped my son off at his buddy’s house near by. So of course I had to drive by and stalk. It was still early and not too many people were there yet. So of course I sat in my car and watched the house for 10 minutes, as any good stalker would.
Then I did the right thing and went home, because while I knew several parents might stay for photos and the like, my daughter had requested independence. Wish granted.
Until my friend called about 45 minutes later. The pre-party was in full swing. The kids were having a blast. Lots of parents were there. I should come!
So I did. My heart burst some more. To see my daughter and her friends, many of whom I’ve seen grow up from little girls and boys, having such a blast was heart bursting. What.a.gift.
I took pictures, documented memories, and tried to stay out of her line of sight. My daughter rolled her eyes a time or two, but largely tolerated my presence.
Then off they all went. To the big dance. Like before every junior high dance, I had given my daughter “the speech.” Except she knows it so well, I had her just recite it back to me:
Don’t do anything you’ll regret the next day.
Don’t be that girl that everyone talks about at school or social. There is always a “that girl” at these things (sad, but true), so don’t give the universe anything interesting to talk about.
Respect yourself, know your boundaries, and make good choices that reflect who you are.
Call anytime if you need a ride or an exit.
And, have fun!!!
Then I waited. And waited for her to come home at the agreed upon time. I was half asleep on the couch when she came in. But I couldn’t wait to sit on the couch with her and hear her stories for the next 30 minutes. While I gave her a foot rub (she’s a dancer, like her mom). Heart bursting.
When you have a heart bursting moment in life, you really must stop. Drop everything. And soak.it.up. Life can be really, really amazing if you do.
The Redefining 