Natalie At 14
Watching her grow and remembering me
As a teen of changeable mood.
Seeing her thrive and thankfully so - yet
As her parent I’ll need to stay shrewd.
From a spiky-haired smiler at 7 months old
To a graceful and slender fourteen.
She has bloomed through the years in so many ways
That even I could have never foreseen.
When I was her age, I thought I was so smart
And, in some ways, l see now I was right.
Now it’s her turn to venture further into the world –
Face big choices when out of my sight.
True, babies will test you in myriad ways
Utter dependence, refusal to nap….
Dealing with food, diapers, doctors and daycare
Juggling those almost seems like a snap.
For next week, my first baby heads to high school
Whether or not she and I both feel ready.
But I know she’ll do great (even envy her some)
May she be ever brave, kind and steady.
Copyright © Joni Mcdonald | Year Posted 2010
|