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The Joy of Aging Children
Growing up opens them up to gratitude
A few weeks ago, my daughter came home from college for spring break. None of her friends were home so we ended up spending a lot of time together, more than usual. We went on a long walk. We went shopping. We went out to lunch. We had a game night. But mostly we just hung out around the house like we did when she lived at home.
Because she’s been out of the house only a few years, we often revert to old mother-daughter patterns. I am overly involved in her business, and she’s not marching to my timeline for tasks that need to be done.
One early morning, I was sitting on the little couch in our kitchen. I have a special spot where I read and write and meditate before anyone else gets up. I’d just finished meditating when my daughter came up to make herself breakfast before going to the gym.
It was a special moment and I remember it as clear as day. From across the kitchen, while rustling around in the pantry for the peanut butter, my daughter said, “You know, Mom, it used to really bother me that I was turning into you, but it doesn’t bother me anymore.”
I tried (though I’m sure I didn’t) to play it cool. I can’t remember my exact response because I was filled with such love and gratitude. I think I said something like, “Honey, that’s…
