I look up from my magazine and scan the the waters near the beach for my girls. I spot them jumping in the waves, chest-deep in the ocean. The waves have carried them further down the shore so that it stretches at my heartstrings to have them so far away. I watch them at play, wondering that they can stand the cold North Sea waters. I remember splashing and playing just as they do, but then it was the warm Texas Gulf. I could not bring myself to join them today, barely getting my feet wet before running out of the cold waters. But they were born in this country and this is their "native shore". I consider going down to call them back closer to me when DD1 looks over at me and sees me watching. She waves her arm at me and I wave back. DD2 looks up as well and cannot see me from this distance. DD1 points and she too waves and I wave back. The tension on the heartstrings eases and I give them their freedom.
A short while later they decide to come back. I watch them, seeing them from a distance as I don't when they are close by. DD2's legs are almost as long as her sister's despite their two-and-a-half years age difference. And DD1's legs are almost as long as mine! Her figure is starting to develop and I am shocked to notice once again just how lovely she is. They are growing up so fast. Suddenly a wave a panic washes over my heart and grabs me by the throat. I realize in only a few years, I will not be able to watch them when they come to the shore or go out with friends. Then there will be boys and smoking and drugs and... No. I stop myself. I can't worry about those things now.
As they come towards me I pick up their towels to hand to them to dry off. But no, they don't want the towels. The both throw themselves down on the warm sand and roll around in it like puppies until they are covered. They proceed to play "sand monster" and take turns burying each other in mounds of sand, then rising up and chasing around. I admonish them that they will not only have to rinse off before they get back in the car, but that they will have to rinse off outside at home before they can come in and bathe!
And then I sigh with relief and think to myself "There's still time."
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10 comments:
still rolling in the sand and playing 'sand monster' - sounds like there's still a bit of time.:)
brrr - those Northern waters sound ICY!
What a beautiful post. I love that you think of them growing up and they come back to remind you that they are still little girls playing in the sand. Beautiful!
wonderful post! I'm feeling much the same thing, watching my own daughter head toward her 14th birthday...
Ah, me. That is just a beautiful post. So beautifully said.
Oh oh oh! This was LOV-E-LY!
So much wrapped neatly into three paragraphs and an extra "sigh" line.
I'm back again. Hours later. This will be one of the posts that will stay with me for a very, very long time!
I loved this. It's just so touching and real. It all really does go by so quickly. It's those sand monster moments you've got to hang on to.
Dear All,
I guess there are some universal feelings and fears for all us Moms! Thanks so much for your lovely compliments and support.
What a fabulous post! Yes, it's that wonderful time of cusp into young adulthood. I had a similar experience today watching my DS, 14, playing with a moving sculpture, which kept him occupied for 30 minutes or so... the little kid part is still there.
No rush... ;-)
What a beautiful story. Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes. It is from John Laguziamo Sorry don't know how to spell his last name.
"With children the days are long, but the years are short."
Enjoy your time.
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