Forever young

I was driving home from Sydney last night with my biggest girl in the backseat watching a DVD and my Ipod on shuffle. The next thing I know, Bob is on, singing to me and I sat there, tears pouring down my face. This girl of mine, she’s bigger. She’s growing up. She’s about to take her first really big step in growing up, and I have to let go. She’s ready, she is so ready, and I guess that means I am too.

I’ve done my bits – the manners, the kindness, the patience while she’s done all the other bits in her own time, with her own determination and will – the eating, the sleeping, the walking, running, talking, joking, the learning.

There is so much I want for Daisy in her life time. I want self confidence, I want a thirst for knowledge, kindness to others, a family filled with love and support, laughter, happiness, acceptance, balance, exploration and so much more. Whilst we will continue to guide her along the way – reigning her in as she goes – it’s this first letting go, to others, that seems to be the hardest for this first time Mama.

Rob’s Dad used these lyrics in his speech he gave to Rob and I at our wedding and while they have always been special to me, as a parent myself now, they seem all the more poignant than they were 7 years ago.

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young

Good luck my precious girl. You make me happier and prouder than I ever thought I could be each and every day of your sweet life.

Comments

  1. Omg…tears…I so know what your going through…I’ve sent 4 babies off to school in he past 8yrs and I look at my last one left here at home, she’s 1 and I cry about sending her to school in 4 more yrs…oh…it’s hard so so hard to let go….there’s always homeschooling though?…..I consider this every day….hugs to you Beth..

  2. Way to make me tear up whilst eating breakfast! We’re further along the track than you – grades 2 & 4 this year – but the feelings are still the same. Enjoy being a school mum but remember that its ok to be sad. She / they will continue to give you jolts like this as they get older. Lovely post.

  3. When my kids have been naughty I have wished that they would grow up and get past that fighting stage, or be more independent or self reliant. I look back with regret- how could I have wished their little lives away like that? It all passes so quickly. My youngest who’s nine years old still suprises me with his innocence though and it’s nice, really nice!

  4. Words are amazing x

  5. Oh yes. Tears here reading that. Going through all that this week. The little girl was back at preschool today, so I’m soaking in every moment of my big girl before she starts on Friday.
    Look at your precious girl! x

  6. Just beautiful. x

  7. Aww!! Now THAT will make me tear up, and I’m not one to easily tear up!! We used this song for our 5 year olds dedication/baptism in his first year. Always makes me cry, such beautiful words and exactly the sort of wise words needed to pass down…..thanks Bob!! I’m tempted to use the same song again for our youngest now too. I love it so much.

  8. Yikes, this post should have come with a disclaimer! Sniff, sniff. Such poignant words. I can relate on every level!

  9. Lovely words and emotions….i can certainly relate at the moment!!

  10. how awesome are those words. 😉

  11. Us too Beth.

    Jake’s been crossing off the days on a calendar with excitement. And I’ve been watching him in denial that this day was coming so soon.

    I’m not ready. By any means.

    But tomorrow we’ll have breakfast, get dressed in our pressed uniform and shiny new shoes, put on the way too big backpack and head off to the rest of his life.

    Gulp.

    PS: It helps to know I won’t be crying into my tea alone after. Good luck and hugs,

    Gabs x

  12. Pure loveliness 🙂
    xx

  13. your love for her shines through every word- just beautiful.

  14. What a beautiful poem (and post!). Its the biggest milestone they will make, starting school – wishing you so much luck letting her loose in the big bad world. It sounds like you have prepared her well x

  15. Three words for you Mumma… I HEAR YOU! Love that little girl so much Beth. She is the most wonderful little soul and I have a feeling that her life will be filled with everything you wish for and more. Give her a big kiss from cousin Mads. Lots of love xxx

    • Kate!! Good luck with Mads later in the week too. I can’t wait to see the obligatory photo in the oversized uniform. How did it happen that they are THIS big now? I love it and hate it at the same time. Send lots of love to Mads and of course to you two x

  16. Such beautiful words. It’s a big deal sending your baby off to begin their education outside of your home. It’s really hard to come to terms with the fact that someone other than you will be influencing their lives. This year for me is bitter sweet. My youngest begins her final year of primary school before heading off to high school like her older brother. I’m not sure how I feel about this yet. It doesn’t seem that long ago that my girl was just starting out like yours is. I hope Daisy has a wonderful first day, I’m sure she will! xx

  17. Very emotional.

    This is what I like about blogging- you will always remember and have a record of how you felt.

    I amd going back to the Coalface this week to resume my career as a litigator (vomits at thought of stress and anxiety that will rain down) and I am going to miss my baby 9 million/10.

    In a perfect world I would have liked to have snatched a few more months.

    It seems like 20 seconds ago that he was born and I could see his little eyes and feel his tiny ribs under my hands.

    Hope Daisy loves it all.

  18. now you made me cry! such beautiful words, such a sweet, sweet girl. good luck to you both. xx

  19. Lovely post! I hope she has a fantastic first introduction to school and that you are ok on that first scary day!

  20. Emotional!!!! It’s scary but wonderful, I’d imagine she sooo ready for it, and will blossom even more at school. The first time they come bounding out after a day at school, with a huge smile on their face, is just as emotional!
    Have a lovely day Daisy, and keep busy mummy!
    Nattie x

  21. Lovely lady, just lovely. You’ve done a stella job and will continue to do so. I’m a year out and already starting to stress about ‘letting go’, it is so. bloody. hard.
    Love that picture of Daisy, so cheeky and beautiful :o) xo

  22. Carla Moulds says

    Our little granddaughter started kindy yesterday and ran to me smiling and all bright eyed at the end of the day. I was so proud of her as she told me about her day. We played Forever Young at our daughters 21st as her special song. We Baby Boomers you have got to love us.

  23. I have just rewritten that lovely song and placed each note on each daughters bedside table for tonite

  24. Lisa Mckenzie says

    Beautiful words Beth it is hard to let go ,but you will and Daisy will always be needing her Mum that’s a given Xx

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  1. […] exciting. And scary. I wrote about it just before Daisy started school and I feel the same way still. The growing up is hard work but the letting go is even harder […]

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