Buffalo Gal

Yesterday included a frantic game of "Hide and Polish" -- the "Seek" part will be going on for months.
The videographer from the local real estate channel was due at 3 p.m. and the entire house had to be decluttered. All flat surfaces were parsed to make it less personal, larger and more accessible to the next buyer. It was a three-day task crammed into an impossible four-hour window.
I asked my daughter Jen to make sure her room was ready while I started on my office area. If I could conquer that monster, every other task that came after would seem much easier.
On my way to the garage for another box, I found Jennine in the kitchen working quickly and quietly. We both worked full out until she had to go to work. Thanks to Jennine's unbidden assistance, the job got done.
Her dinnertime conversation last night was peppered with mature observations about interactions between people and their small children. (She goes to college full time and works as a private child care provider).
After a long hard week, I would have guessed a 20-year-old was more than ready to go out with her friends, but she volunteered to watch Anne and Christophe's children so we could all go out to dinner.
She's working today, but tomorrow she'll be helping us out with a birthday party for a special needs friend.
If it sounds like I'm bragging on my daughter, I am. I'm amazed by the thoughtful young lady who has emerged from the tangled mess of adolescence. She's never been showy or boastful and hates the limelight. This concept of self-less responsibility just seems to have snuck up on her and she wears it beautifully.
Her boyfriend is as sweet, centered and caring as she. I never imagined my parent mind grasping such a concept, but it is a joy to see them together. I feel her sadness for the space that separates them with him away at school. She fills the gap with family and friends.
Anyone who has raised a child knows the times of doubt and fear that gnaw at your heart. There's an emotional whiplash that comes when you no longer see your child as a small and helpless creature.
This little bird is almost ready to leave the nest.
I have no doubt she will soar.
Thank you, Jennine.

Copyright 2004 Judi Griggs

Buffalo Gal Judi Griggs I'm a communications professional, writer, cynic, mother, wife and royal pain. The order depends on the day. I returned to my hometown in November 2004 after a couple of decades of heat and hurricanes. I can polish pristine copy, but not here. This is my morning exercise -- 20-minute takes without a net or spellcheck. It's easier than sit ups for me. No guarantee what it will be for you. Clicking on the subscribe link will send you an email notice when each new entry is posted.
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Previous Entry :: Next Entry Read/Post Comments (1) Share on Facebook		2004-09-18 8:15 AM Ready for primetime Yesterday included a frantic game of "Hide and Polish" -- the "Seek" part will be going on for months. The videographer from the local real estate channel was due at 3 p.m. and the entire house had to be decluttered. All flat surfaces were parsed to make it less personal, larger and more accessible to the next buyer. It was a three-day task crammed into an impossible four-hour window. I asked my daughter Jen to make sure her room was ready while I started on my office area. If I could conquer that monster, every other task that came after would seem much easier. On my way to the garage for another box, I found Jennine in the kitchen working quickly and quietly. We both worked full out until she had to go to work. Thanks to Jennine's unbidden assistance, the job got done. Her dinnertime conversation last night was peppered with mature observations about interactions between people and their small children. (She goes to college full time and works as a private child care provider). After a long hard week, I would have guessed a 20-year-old was more than ready to go out with her friends, but she volunteered to watch Anne and Christophe's children so we could all go out to dinner. She's working today, but tomorrow she'll be helping us out with a birthday party for a special needs friend. If it sounds like I'm bragging on my daughter, I am. I'm amazed by the thoughtful young lady who has emerged from the tangled mess of adolescence. She's never been showy or boastful and hates the limelight. This concept of self-less responsibility just seems to have snuck up on her and she wears it beautifully. Her boyfriend is as sweet, centered and caring as she. I never imagined my parent mind grasping such a concept, but it is a joy to see them together. I feel her sadness for the space that separates them with him away at school. She fills the gap with family and friends. Anyone who has raised a child knows the times of doubt and fear that gnaw at your heart. There's an emotional whiplash that comes when you no longer see your child as a small and helpless creature. This little bird is almost ready to leave the nest. I have no doubt she will soar. Thank you, Jennine. Copyright 2004 Judi Griggs Read/Post Comments (1) Previous Entry :: Next Entry Back to Top