Front Teeth

Maree lost her front teeth back in November and she's starting to feel frustrated that they haven't come in yet​. In the moment I honor her frustration, but I'm honestly feeling pretty okay about it myself. I know that once they do come in she will look even older, and I'm not sure if I can handle it. 

Yesterday, we had a long talk about how she did in school last year (great), and about some of the goals she has for next year. I struggle a lot with trying not to project my own insecurities on her because she is so much like me that I don't want her to experience some of the "growing pains" I experienced learning about how to act right in this world.

I smoked my first cigarette at 8, and was drinking regularly by 10. It took me another decade to realize that there was another way to live life. I am terrified for her - well for all my kids, this world is a terrifying place. All that I can do for my children though is encourage them to be the light. At the end of the day that is exactly what this young lady is. She is light and love and laughter and I am so proud of who she is becoming. I pray that as the adolescent and pre-teen years roll on I feel more pride than terror as I trust her and this process and all the things that surround it.

In the meantime I'll be over here, checking for front teeth every morning and holding my breath that it will all work out just fine.