Sometimes when I talk to my daughter, I feel like I’m right back there again – in the 7th grade – trying to figure out how life works – wondering where I fit – wondering if the friends I have chosen really like me at all – wondering if there is life beyond middle school, and, most of all, fearing that this awkward stage will follow me around forever. That was a tough year – one that I would NEVER want to relive.
Yet, here I am – looking at her – seeing the same worries written all over her sweet face. I see the tears. I hear the frustration. And, my heart is breaking all over again.
I tell her that it is going to be OK – that this, too, shall pass – that middle school is tough for everybody – but in her eyes I see that she is not so sure. She wonders how she will make it through tomorrow or next week with friendships still intact. I wish that she could see what I see. I wish she could see that she is strong and amazing. I wish she could see that she has unlimited potential – that her life will not be defined by the struggles of today. Unfortunately, she can’t see that now. I can tell her, and she might feel better for a minute. But, the challenges still come, and it is difficult to understand that everything will work out when you are in the middle of something that stretches you to uncomfortable levels, especially when you are only 11. I pray that she will understand someday. Hopefully someday soon.
Until then, I will try to be patient when she breaks down about little things and gets upset at me because she doesn’t have the right clothes. I will try to listen to the play by-play of each day with more empathy, even if I get lost in the “he said, she said.” When she has a bad day, I will try to remember what it felt like to be in her shoes, and give her a little more slack. I will try to love her even more, knowing that she may not be getting quite enough love from other people. With any luck, that will be enough to carry her through until these awkward and difficult years fade into the past.
Fingers crossed.
Lynnette,
Amen! The big picture is so hard to see when you’re 11. To see what we see in them….and then I remember that must be how our loving Heavenly Father feels about us and I fall to my knees in gratitude and again plead for enough of what is needed to help my sweet girl become all she can. He is the only one who could give me the strength to hold her close longer and uplift her even as she’s screaming that I don’t understand. 🙂 It helps to be reminded this awkward phase they are in is “normal” and will pass and will, miraculously, aid them in becoming strong, responsible adults…with a lot of empathy for suffering!
The big picture is often hard to see as adults, too. But, I love your analogy…I’m sure this is exactly how Heavenly Father feels about us as we try to figure things out and get distracted from what is important. I do trust that they will figure it out, though. Sometimes I just wish it wouldn’t take so long! 🙂 Thanks, Tami.