During our outing Friday to the International District, Abigail was animated. Perhaps it was just the contrast of taking Little Girl to the Big City. But she seemed suddenly mature. She had her own observations to make, her own perspective to share on what she saw from the sidewalk scene to the restaurant bathroom. Unlike her other two sisters, she ate her dim sum by herself, without needing any help. Walking through the grocery store, she could read package labels, learning their contents, proclaiming her surprise and opinion. Not quite six, in some ways she seemed almost sixteen. Independent. She walked by herself while the other two needed to hold hands.
On the way home, Abigail stepped onto the bus tunnel escalator ahead of the rest of us. I watched her as she rose. Higher and higher. The escalator was taking her up and up. Abigail stood there smiling by herself on a stair. And in a moment I knew she would disappear from my sight. On her own.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Jenny Ingram // May 3, 2004 at 10:10 pm
It’s bittersweet. We strive to raise our children to be healthy, happy, independent and responsible adults. It will be our joy to see that fruit of our labor. Yet, there is a bit of sadness because we no longer are so significant, so needed. Tonight, I put Olivia to bed — her last “technical” night as a 1 year old. This was bittersweet as well. I love who she is becoming, but I sometimes miss the baby:-)
2 Jenny On The Spot // May 3, 2004 at 10:38 pm
Growing Up
My friend Julie sparked emotion when she wrote Up the Escalator . Tomorrow, Olivia turns 2. Today was “technically” her last day of being 1. All day, with each “event” — meals, getting her up from nap, etc…) I thought, “these are our…