Today my oldest daughter and I “unplugged.”  Yes, we did!  We spent the day together and focused more on each other than on a screen of any kind!   We were present for each other, and that is a gift that is so rarely given these days.  Normally you see people with their heads down staring at their phones as they totally ignore the people sitting right there with them.  We see this going on in stores, in restaurants, etc.  The truth is, we seldom give others our undivided attention.  Today, though, my daughter and I did just that.  We tucked away the phones, ipods, and computers … and we were present for each other!

We started the day bright and early with going out for breakfast together, and then it was time for some shopping!   We really focused on each other, taking the time to enjoy the conversation, the laughter, the inside jokes.   We even went to look at prom dresses.  The only time any electronic devices came out was when I begged for pictures of my daughter in those dresses.  We are just starting out on our search for THE perfect dress, but in our search, we will begin by documenting today!   Oh, she looked so lovely in the dresses she tried on today.  She made those dresses look amazing!   I am not being biased when I say that she was stunningly beautiful.   I wish for just a little while that my darling daughter could see herself through my eyes.  She is beautiful inside and out!

We made memories together today.  Memories that will forever be a part of who we are – a part of the mother/daughter bond that we share.   I am forever grateful for moments like these.   My daughter will soon be 17, and oh how the time has flown by.  It seems like just yesterday I was holding my newborn baby in my arms for the very first time, and now we’re shopping for prom dresses, getting ready for her high school ring ceremony, and ~gasps of horror~ looking at colleges!  My baby has grown right up on me!   She will soon be an adult.  Oh how I hold on to these times with my baby as tight as I possibly can.  I am not ready yet to let her spread her wings to fly.  I know it’s coming, but this Mama is just not ready to let her go out into this cruel world.   I want to shield and protect her from all harm … always!   I know she has to grow up, and I am so incredibly proud of the young lady she has become.   I just know I want more time!   Our roles are shifting from caring for her every need, teaching her how to walk, fixing scraped knees and playing dolls with her to now her becoming so independent working a job just because she “wants” to but certainly not because she “has” to – just to know she has the desire to work lets me know that she is spreading her wings like the beautiful eagle as she begins to take flight.   She is slowly venturing off on her own while still returning to the nest for a little while longer.  And I choke back the tears and hold on a little tighter now.

I had the BEST day with my daughter today … focusing on each other, living in the moment, being present for each other … what a gift!   One that I treasure …

Be present for someone in your life today.  Push the computer aside after reading this, turn your phone off, and intentionally focus on the person that is IN FRONT of you.  And thank God for them and for this moment in time, for this wonderful gift of being present and making memories with them!  I know I am thankful – oh so thankful!

Blessings to you and yours,

~Shirley

Light, Love, Hope