A recent haircut meant that I requested she quickly come outside, so I could snap a couple photos. A minute was too long for her. She had friends waiting next door. She had things to do. She didn’t have two minutes, or even one to offer me. I just kept snapping away.
Although she stands looking me square in the eye at 5′ 7″, she is still only 12 years young, but so full of advice and ideas. She’s beginning to question aspects of life, and I watch her as she tries to figure things out on her own. She has no idea….how much she consumes my mind. My constant thoughts. My motives. I found a turning point within myself months ago, realizing my time left to nurture her was running out. Her impressionable years were shifting- more from being impressed upon by her parents, to the world around her and her peers.
I’m working on being more present with my children, but especially to my daughter. I want to be available for her. I want to set aside time dedicated just to listening. I want to be there when needed for all those confusing things that will be popping up around the corner.
I remind myself of this:
This is not the time to be consumed with work. This is the time to consider my priorities.
I only get one shot at nurturing my daughter…and it’s here…right now.
She has no idea how much she is loved. She has no idea of the prayers offered up in her behalf, or the prayers that I would be a better mother to her. She’s my one and only, my girl, yet she has no idea that she is my inspiration. Perhaps someday, she’ll understand why.
jess
Artist, wife, mama of four.
Lover of life
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Balance
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She is beautiful….Beautiful on the outside, but also you can see that same love and faith that you have poured into her coming out of her eyes….She may not know the extent of what you do for her as a mom, but someday she will! Beautiful images!
You are a beautiful, beautiful mama.
I read this and cried… so beautiful as I feel a lot the same way about my boy in keeping my priorities. Thank you for sharing!
WOW she is breathtaking!! Can’t believe 12 years have gone by already…
What a BEAUTIFUL post, Jess. Funny the words you chose for this, because last night we were watching an episode of Friday Night Lights (working our way thru seasons, on Season 3) and that show is WAY more about relationships and raising kids than football, but Kyle Chandler (Coach’s) character was telling another one of the dads who was focused on his money woes over his daughter, “Look, money comes and goes. But these kids of ours? We got one chance at this.”
Just crazy we JUST watched that episode last night and here you are so eloquently saying the same thing!
Damn. Well said my friend.
oh.my.goodness. i love love love these. she’s so perfectly beautiful and a mirror image of YOU!! they’re all beautiful but the second last one is what i enjoy the most because i’ve seen that laugh and it was adorable. so weird seeing her shift from kid to young lady. i guess we all have to face that one day. sighhhhh.
Beautiful in every way…and, so very true.
She’s beautiful inside and out!! I love how effortlessly gorgeous she looks.
This is gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. Brought me tears. Holy cowabunga to how grown up she is in these images. That last one? Now THAT is the Priya we all love. :) Sending you love and high fives. :D Miss the Z team…
AND – this made me cry.
You make me cry. Such a joy to watch her grow into the beautiful young lady she is now. So amazing inside and out. You and Brett are doing a wonderful job.
Beautiful!
What beautiful portraits of your daughter (that last photo especially). I love your words, too – that aching mothery feeling comes through. I’m just beginning the journey of mothering (my son is 10 months old) but I share that same desire to be present, and not just to tune out with computers/other endless distractions. One day at a time, right! :)
Beautiful post, Jess. Love that precious girl. So great to have you as inspiration and a mentor as I begin my own journey of motherhood. XOXO
i am so behind on reading some of my fav blogs…yours being one. so i am a few days late on this one, but you have to KNOW how this resonates with me as well.
beautifully written and so very true. there is only one chance we get with our children and it IS our MOST important role we play. the gift is that some recognize it before it has passed. so, go and nurture and love, everything else will be there when you have time. xo
Breathtaking. Thank you for sharing.
Now I’m glad you’re taking this time to breath and pay attention to the more important things in your life. Your fewer posts are getting deeper, more meaningful and beautiful – and that is definitly worth it! She will understand someday… and her heart with overflow with gratitude and love. Bless you girl! ;)
This made me cry and I don’t even have kids yet. xo
I cannot believe how grown up she is…and getting more beautiful every day!
in just that minute you’ve created such beautiful images. i love your outlook on life. you have such a beautiful heart and family! :) and i don’t even know you!!!