Gigi is 13 today. It’s cliché to say this, but it really does feel like yesterday when she was my little cuddle bunny born in Venezuela. Yes, she was a bit tremenda as an infant, crying her way through a colic stage, but she was always and still is so close to me. I used to pat my chest, and she would climb atop me and we would sleep just like that. To this day, we snuggle most nights, Kevin leading her to her own bed after we’ve fallen into an entangled sleep. I’ve already wondered how I will handle her departure for college six short years away. I suppose this mental prep starting now will hopefully ease the heartbreak. I also sometimes wonder if it’s natural to feel so close to my daughter–should I be more distant offering her more space as she becomes a young woman. Then I remind myself to quit worrying and let the natural closeness we have continue. If we cuddle in another 13 years when she’s 26 , I will not be surprised.
Of course being close to someone exceeds physical touch. The two of us, most likely similarily to other mother-daughter teams, can read one another so well. Gigi always knows how I’m feeling and can offer me wisdom to alter my state. I’m not quite sure how she’s always been able to have a wise-soul philosophy about her; her emotional intelligence and intuition have always been beyond her years. She reads people and know instinctively how they might be feeling in any given situation.
There are so many ways that I look up to my 13 year old girl. Again, can that be normal? Oh, who cares!? She is really quite amazing. Gigi is kind and thoughtful–attributes I admire and try to be in my own daily life. She’s creative with an imagination that helps her soar. Her athletic abilities amaze me–to see her run is to feel free. Then her gumption to just give anything her all is quite aspirational–an example, dropping in on skate ramp this past weekend. Finally, Gigi’s just fun: her giggle and smile are always and forever will be contagious.
Gigi is 13 and becoming a young lady before Kevin and my eyes. The sporty tomboy is still ever present, but there is a feminity also maturing in our daughter. She recently started cotillion–etiquette classes where the students learn to dance and socialise in a formal setting. On this first night, she appeared angelic, and yes, she brought mist to Kevin’s eyes when he witnessed his daughter as a young lady, a beautiful one at that. The very best part of Gigi’s beauty is she is also so very pretty on the inside as well. My mom always told me “Beauty is as beauty does.” I’ve never had to say this to Gigi–she just is.
Happy Birthday Dear Gigi! I love you so much!!
And this girl’s got a sense of humor! I love that she doesn’t take herself too seriously! Gigi, you’re a hoot and so fun to be with.
I think your loving description of your daughter is really beautiful. Clearly the fact that you love each other deeply is also reflected in your daily behavior. Physical closeness is something many parents feel less comfortable showing as their children get into their teens and I think it’s important to maintain that part of your relationship. Having observed many 13/14 year olds over the course of my teaching career it was clear to me that physical closeness was of particular importance. Mostly it was contact with each other that was sought (often) but they are still children who need physical connection to parents as well.
Gigi probably wants to “mother” you through some tough months of pain and anxiety about surgery and rehab as well!
Gigi is a lovely child and your nurturing is a gift you give each other.
I think you are spot on here Judy. In fact, just recently, Gigi admitted (sort of as teens do) to missing nursing me. Also of note, here snuggling with me has started to decrease. Uh oh! Did I write it away?! I sure hope not!! But, it is interesting to notice her finding independence in subtle ways. My little girl is growing up!
Thanks as always Judy.
Love, Ann
I think you gave her a new perspective on her own competence in being able to effectively help, assist and nurse her beloved mom! What a gift for a 13 year old to know she was needed and vital to her mom’s recuperation. You usually don’t find that out til your parents and you are much older.
Don’t worry; snuggling isn’t over either.