It was the third day of school, and my eight-year-old was so very proud walking by herself to and from school this year. This request surprised me and made me wonder what was going on. I wondered, ever so briefly, if I should say no to encourage her independence, but instantly realized these days of her childhood are numbered. Soon enough she won’t seek my company or want to hold my hand or share good morning cuddles or all the other things that will hallmark the transition from young girl to preteen; why hurry it along? Naturally, I agreed that I would walk with her the next morning.
When the time came, I almost forgot. She didn’t bring it up, and I was running busily around, still in my jammies, when it was time for her to leave. As I turned the timer off, I remembered. “Oh! I almost forgot—you wanted me to walk with you today. Do you still want that?”
“Yes, Mommy! Please??”
I threw on some clothes and we headed down the street towards the school. I was afraid we would be late, but I was curious to know why she wanted me to come with her so badly.
At the end of our block we crossed to the other side of the road, and she ran ahead, grinning. “THIS is what I wanted you to see! Aren’t they beautiful, Mommy?”
And before me was a lovely array of sunflowers in full bloom, growing along the front fence of one of the houses. My sweet daughter knew I would enjoy their beauty and wanted to share them with me. We admired the flowers together for a moment before hearing the school bell go off half a block away. “I can run the rest of the way, Mom! I just wanted you to see the flowers!” And off she went.
I stood for a few moments, first watching my daughter run towards the school, then admiring the flowers a bit longer. As I turned towards home, a big smile spread from my heart to my face. What a precious and unexpected gift on that lovely August morning.