My daughter Lilla turns 39 today
When my daughter Lilla was born on this date in 1968, I was 25 years old, still in my “don’t trust anyone over 30″ phase. And today she celebrates her 39th birthday, just one away from the big 40.
On this day I’m filled with sweet memories of my “little girl.” I remember the day she was born, tiny and beautiful, cuddled in her mother, Shannon’s, arms. I remember her, still in diapers, grazing in the family garden and
coming back to the house with tomato juice running down her little belly. I remember her hanging out with and sleeping with her “sister,” Langdon, her trusty black Lab, in Bear Hollow. I remember when being with her could help reconnect me with the gentler part of myself. I remember her volleyball exploits at West High School in Knoxville, TN and at the College of Charleston. And I remember her marrying Brandon and bringing Molly and Jack into the world.
Man, how time flies. As Lilla approaches the halfway point of her years in this mortal form, I enter the last decades of mine.
Looking back, Shannon and I endeavored to give Lilla just enough rope so that she didn’t hang herself. We raised her to be able to take care of herself, to work through issues with others on her own and to think and act independently. I’m proud of the strong and compassionate woman Lilla has become, and the family she has created with Brandon. And we excitedly await the annual summer visit of grandkids Molly and Jack in early August.
Happy birthday, girl! Shonnie and I both send you our love on your special day and hope that all your birthday wishes come true.
Monday, June 11th, 20073 Comments »
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Isn’t it amazing? My own son turns 32 in October. Last year he made me a grandfather. I tell my friends there is a special pride we take in seeing our children become good adults that is far richer and deeper than the love we had towards them when they were small. It is as if all your hard work paid off!
Thanks for sharing your world with mine.
Comment by James Cassara — June 14, 2007 @ 6:04 pm
I don’t have children. They just weren’t my thing but that does not stop me from appreciating the joy they bring and the delight in watching my brother’s children growing to young caring adults.
God Bless parents everywhere.
Margaret
Comment by m p casey — June 16, 2007 @ 5:32 am
[…] My family—my mom Sue, fierce protector of her clan; my daughter Lilla, her husband Brandon and their kiddos, my grandkids, Molly and Jack who bring joy and delight during their week-long summer visits; my brother Modern Art, his wife Eve and their kids and grandkids; my sister Nancy, her husband Mike, their kids and grandkids—all of whom I feel more connected with than ever before […]
Pingback by Talking My Walk: Random Musings on Life, the Universe and Everything-- » Some of the things I’m grateful for this Thanksgiving — November 24, 2007 @ 10:32 am