Blessing in Creation!

Blessing in Creation!

Saturday, November 3, 2012

I Will Love You Forever

Recently, my fourteen year old daughter asked me if I loved her as much as I did when she was a baby. I answered, “Of course I do”, wondering what had spurred this question. She explained that babies and toddlers are so cute that everyone makes a fuss over them. She worried that as she got older, she’d be loved less. I attempted to explain that love and care are different. As children grow, love for them grows as well, but the care lessens as they become more independent. Less time and activity does not equate to less love, but does have less obvious visibility. This conversation made me realize that children, no matter what age they are, need that reaffirmation of love from their parents. Outward displays of love, perhaps, become harder for a teenager to see. Cuddles and hugs, airplane rides, being toted around on the hip, and games with feeding spoons become things of the past and are often replaced with reminders to put away their clothes, do their homework, and turn down the music. Shortly after this conversation, my daughter woke me in the middle of the night with complications after a tonsillectomy. With minimal sleep, my maternal instincts kicked in, and we headed to the emergency room. As she lay on the hospital bed, I looked at her pale face and recalled that earlier discussion about love. There was no question in my mind – I loved my baby girl with every ounce of my being! Tears formed in my eyes as I held her hand and silently prayed that God would keep her safe. I reflected on her infancy and childhood. She had spunk right from the start. She was a determined and funny child and she had a way of attracting attention in any situation. I have endless cute stories to share with anyone who has a listening ear. I wanted more of those stories to tell. Not only stories of when she was little and cute, but tales of how she was growing into a lovely young lady. My heart’s desire was to enjoy watching this sweet caring girl mature into a Godly woman, wife, and mother. I continued to pray and trusted that God would honor my desire. Thankfully, she is recovering from her tonsillectomy. It has not been a smooth ride but she is healing. There will likely be more bumps along the road, but we can handle each one as they come with love and prayer. I will love you forever!