Then You Grew

And you were born
and you were itty, bitty and your love
was so big.
And you cooed
and you smiled and chewed on your toes.

Then you grew a little...
you got some teeth and learned a few words
one at a time.
And you babbled on and on
and so much nonsense came out but you had
so much to say.
And you crawled, then walked
and you wrote on the walls and learned
to use the big potty.

Then you grew a little...
your hair grew more and you needed a trim.
And you had more to say
and I understood and we talked together.
And you drew nice pictures for me
and colored and listened to stories and
used your own imagination.

Then you grew a little...
you rode your bike without training wheels.
And you went to school
and made many friends and
found new challenges.
And you went to birthday parties
and had sleepovers and still wanted me around sometimes.

Then you grew a little...
you wanted so much independence and
you were fearless.
And you were sophisticated
and you knew more than me and
you tried my patience.
And you wanted to grow more
and get a job and drive your own car.

Then you grew a little...
you got a job and finished school.
And time felt like so little
and you taught me so much.
And we are learning always
and now she is born and all is new again.

Then she will grow a little...
you will grow with her just as I grew with you.
And your heart will be full
and you will often swell with pride
and you will feel so happy.
And you will remember...


A bit of my own perspective. I was inspired to write this after I read the children's book Someday by Alison McGhee.