I take a step.
She pulls her chair up to mine, as I sit transfixed to the screen. “Pay attention to me . . .!” pleads my fifteen-year-old. Belatedly, I wrench my eyes from a two-dimensional world, and gaze in wonder at the many-dimensioned person who is my daughter.
Am I listening to her world? Am I mindful of this moment that will disappear with the next breath?
“Pay attention to me . . .!” pleads my fifteen-year-old. Belatedly, I wrench my eyes from a two-dimensional world, and gaze in wonder at the many-dimensioned person who is my daughter.
I take a step.
I am back on the beach. “Watch, Mum – keep up!” My daughter leaps, toes pointed, face concentrating. The dogs’ pink tongues loll as they cavort beside her.
Now, I am mindful.
Of the sand under my feet. Of the soft breeze along the water. Of the emerging adult before me.
This is her world, and I am fortunate to be invited to step by her side.
Tomorrow, she will walk out on her own, taking a path of her devising, choosing her companions.
This is her world, and I am fortunate to be invited to step by her side.
Always, always, she can look back, hold out her hand, and I will be there.
For her. With her. Her supporter, her cheerleader, her friend, her confidant.
Her mother.
Larissa Dann is a parent and parent educator, writer, blogger, and community worker, who hopes her work offers practical skills and insight into gentle, peaceful parenting. You can read more of her work at Parent Skills, or join her Facebook page.
