Menu: Parenting
By: Sarah Mitchell
Updated: Dec. 8, 2020
Originally Published: Sep. 19, 2010
It feels like just yesterday. I vividly recall gently pulling back the blanket that enveloped her, eager to catch a glimpse of her tiny face. For months, I had envisioned this moment, and suddenly she was nestled in my arms. As I brushed my fingers against her cheek and drew her close, I breathed in her unique scent, pulling the blanket aside to admire her more closely. My hand found hers, and I touched her delicate fingers for the very first time.
Who is this little baby in my embrace?
She felt both familiar and like a complete stranger. My heart raced at the sight of her. My daughter was dainty and exquisite, and as she transitioned from infant to toddler, I became increasingly aware of our differences. She was a puzzle to me. Her vibrant red curls starkly contrasted with my dark hair, and her fair complexion and delicate features were a world apart from mine. I often mused whether our personalities would be as disparate as our appearances.
Those early days were filled with both wonder and challenges. She was strong-willed and often stubborn, her frustrations easily ignited. There were moments when our connection felt overwhelming, while at other times, I struggled to understand the little girl I was raising.
Who is this child I am nurturing?
As she began to speak, waves of questions emerged. The relentless inquiries began the moment she uttered her first “Why?”
Now at 9 years old, I find myself inundated with questions daily. Sometimes they trickle in, but more often, they come rushing like a torrent. If a thought crosses her mind, it escapes her lips. Yet with each question, I uncover more about this wise soul I’m privileged to guide. I’m learning her thought processes and discovering the depths of her curiosity.
Who is this young lady that is now teaching me?
Our differences have only become more pronounced. Our hair remains a stark contrast. She is growing taller and more beautiful every day, and soon, she will surpass me. We share a shoe size now, but thankfully not the same taste in footwear.
Her intellect far exceeds mine at her age. An impressive chess player, she mastered the game well before I did. Her passion for history and love for reading are boundless. She is endlessly curious and remarkably analytical.
Yet, as she evolves, so do I.
I’m realizing just how intricately our souls are entwined. I know her better than I know myself. A single glance reveals her mood; I can sense when she’s about to ask another question or when she’s holding back. I witness her kindness and thoughtfulness, experience her stubbornness, and feel the pull for independence. She is assertive, sharp, and surprisingly wise for her young age.
My daughter is my soulmate.
This realization didn’t dawn on me overnight. There was no sudden epiphany when she was born. It took time for our connection to deepen. It’s the ongoing conversations between us that have granted me a profound understanding of the remarkable soul I am fortunate to call my own.
Recently, she held my hand, and I instinctively reached down to touch hers. Gone are the tiny fingers that once clung to mine out of instinct. She is still my little girl, growing up far too quickly for both of us. Now, I find myself holding the hand of a young woman whose hands mirror mine.
Today, we share laughter as she tries on bras for the first time and we both burst into giggles over each other’s dance moves. Our humor shines just as brightly as our tempers. She has already mastered the eye roll that every daughter perfects in her teenage years.
Her questions persist. It was through these inquiries that I first felt a profound bond with my daughter, one that I cherish deeply. She still seeks me out for answers, blissfully unaware that she is the one imparting lessons to me.
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Summary:
This heartfelt narrative explores the evolving relationship between a mother, Sarah, and her daughter, who she describes as her unexpected soulmate. As the daughter grows from infancy to childhood, the mother reflects on their differences and similarities, the importance of their connection, and the lessons learned through their ongoing dialogue. Ultimately, Sarah discovers that her daughter, with her inquisitive nature and unique personality, is not only teaching her about life but also deepening their bond.