may6

Wednesday May 6th 2015

Watching your child grow up

is a funny thing.

When you get them

they are so small and everything they do

is such a big deal.

Every step, word and accomplishment

is picture worthy,

noteworthy and special.

Then they start school

and they amaze us with how much 

and how fast they learn new things.

They outgrow their clothes 

and suddenly the clothes you are buying are no longer 

in the children's section 

and their books have more words than pictures

and don't rhyme anymore.

Then in the blink of an eye,

they can ride 2 wheel bikes and refuse to wear

safety equipment when skateboarding.

Jeans are not just a piece of clothing 

but a piece of clothing 

MOLDED

to their body. 

Suddenly,

eyelashes are not long enough,

hair is not straight enough,

and heels are not high enough...

and they are looking for grade 8 grad dresses!

The last 4 years have FLOWN by.

Not every moment was photo-worthy!

Not every minute will I choose to use

as a favoured memory of this time,

because teen girls, although lovely,

are very trying 

during this part of the growing up process.

They are busy finding themselves

amongst everything they are being told.

Choosing their path.

Deciding right from wrong with little guidance

being accepted from their parents

and sometimes paying for their lack of skill

when they make a bad choice.

Boys are interesting,

cars and trucks are interesting.

Even though she is no longer so small I can cuddle her,

Even though she can read without pictures,

and type without looking at the keyboard,

Even though I have no idea how she breathes in those jeans,

Even though I think she needs no makeup,

Even though she wasn't perfect,

Even though she made mistakes,

Even though bad decisions were inevitable,

Even though I find cars a boring subject.

My daughter will never be boring to me.

Her choices, her courage, her ideals

are all a big part of who that little girl became.

That tiny little dark haired girl

who stole our heart

and changed our lives forever.

She is the source of much love

the source of many headaches!

We are so honoured that she was given to us,

that she is such a wonderful person,

and has so much potential for a wonderful

future.

Congratulations

WARRANT OFFICER FIRST CLASS

Judy Kathleen Shannon

We are just so proud.

Good night from John Street.