My daughter has her 15th Birthday tomorrow. (YIKES)
Her father (you’ll hear me talk a bit about Robbie from time to time) and I were talking about what WE were like at 15.
I think what Robbie Said was something like this: “The only time I did anything good when I was 15 is when I was asleep. I have no excuse for the rest of the time.” (You’ll get used to his snarky humor. This man keeps me in stitches.)
I have to admit, 15 didn’t look so good on me either. I was a pretty good student, but a whole lot self-centered and desperate for attention (in the wrong ways.) I had zero self-confidence. I had wonderful opportunities yet taking the easy paths seemed to be impossible for me. I had to learn the hard way.
My life has gone its own way, which is totally ok, but looking at 15 through my lens makes me fearful for my own daughter, standing on the brink of her 15th Birthday.
I wish she could avoid the “hard ways” of life.
I wrote about this yesterday and Publishious was kind enough to publish it within a few hours. Michael Shook seems to really enjoy my work.
The article plays out like a short story (it is a pretty short article) and here is a sneak peak for you: (And I hope you’ll take the time to read it. The take-away on is worth it!)
I Don’t Want My Daughter to Turn Fifteen
And her Birthday is in two days.
I remember fifteen. I remember it well.
…
Being bold, rough-around-the-edges, tough, strong, cool. These things mattered. I didn’t cry. Crying was for sissies. I blazed my path with a sheer selfish pride and tucked my insecurities inside.
I was a weak child.
Of course, this is me looking back. I am sure it wasn’t that terrible, but through the lens of regret, we tend to malign ourselves to some degree.
My daughter is stronger than I was.
…
I wish for you the best of days! Make precious time of these fleeting moments. Some day the tempered glass will be theirs and we want to make sure they have a “15” to be proud of. It is the least we can do.
Poetically yours,
Christina