Nothing to Fear

A mother does some reflecting as her daughter is getting married.

I watched the wedding procession, as the bridesmaids came down the aisle. I felt an ache in my heart. It was the ache of pride, love and a little bit of loss. I was losing my little girl, but if I was honest with myself, I had been losing her since the day of her birth. Isn't that a parent's job, to raise them up in the way they should go?

Surely, I could look on the bright side. My daughter had grown up to be more than I could have hoped for. She was smart, kind, personable, responsible, independent and self-assertive. Her path in life was so much more stable and together than mine had been at her age.

I had taught her manners, how to throw a softball and catch and bat like a pro. I taught her how to read, cook, iron and sew. I showed her how to camp and hike, roller skate and how to ride a bike.

I taught her the importance of looking people in the eye and not to believe everything she reads or hears. I taught her that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the same could be said of truth.

I showed her how to swim, to drive and how to balance a checkbook. I taught her all about financial credit and interest and she said, "Hell, if I'll pay that!"

I taught her that life isn't always fair and that if you wanted a good friend, you had to be one.  I taught her that it feels good to give and it feels good to receive, also. I think I was successful in teaching her the difference between lying and perpetuating the Santa Claus myth.

As I taught her, along the way, I learned a lot, too. One very special lesson I have learned is that at the end of learning from each other, I have gained a wonderful grown up friend. And in her marrying,Ii am gaining a fine son.

As I watch him look at her with eyes filled with love, I wish them so much- a lifetime of adventure, of physical and emotional closeness and the intelligence to know when to give each other space. I wish that they never lack having something to say and share with each other. I wish them deep satisfaction in how they earn their way. I wish them to always see the humor and never lack time to play.

As they share their first kiss as husband and wife and walk outside, I see I have nothing to fear, as they mount a tandem bike and ride.

Reviews

[Jeff Silverstein]

This is honest and heartfelt. A true snapshot of a universal milestone.

[Diane Lockard]

Beautiful words that carry powerful meanings, and set a foundation that will keep growing with time!!

Letting go is hard, but you gave your daughter a great plan to follow...

[carol burgess romance]

Such a lovely write for you daughter, you seem to have done a great parenting job. Sometimes letting go is hard, but you have the understanding of what letting go really means. Wonderful words of love.

[Craig2591]

I think your daughter is damn lucky to have such a great mother.

[Barbara Walker]

Why, thank you Craig!

[Sharon L.H. Kelly]

This is a beautiful poem that clearly expresses a mother's feelings and thoughts as she watches her daughter begin her own journey. Nice reflection and flow.

[Barbara Walker]

Thank you!

[annabellee]

such a nice story about a mother's feelings. I loved how you described all the things she taught her, made me think about my mum and how she would feel if i was getting married...
anyways great job :)

[Barbara Walker]

Thank you!

[annabellee]

you're most welcome :)

[SquinklaPsyOps]

You’re a very good writer. i really like the flow you created with this piece, it falls into a very nice rhythm.

I also like how you took a subject matter and managed to make it unique and original. at the same time.

[Barbara Walker]

Thank you!