The oldest

Within minutes of meeting me, you will know that I am the mother of 4 girls. Its the thing in my life that I am most proud of, and so I talk about that fact all the time. I'm sure it makes some people crazy, and I would say I am sorry, but it is a major part of who I am and I can't really be sorry for that.
My oldest daughter is 15 and is growing into this person that really needs me for very little. She is a singer, an actor, has recently discovered she's a fair runner, and is a seriously great debater. It wasn't that long ago that I would describe my oldest daughter as silly, outgoing, friendly, and playful. But somewhere along the way (It must have been when I blinked), that little girl with the great big smile and carefree attitude, grew into the bright, intelligent, slightly timid, opinionated and articulate young woman I see for a few minutes every day.
I miss the talks she and I used to share. I miss the friendship that is only shared between a mom and her girl. I miss laughing with her. I miss her choosing to spend time with me. I miss hearing long stories about how her day went, who she talked to, and what she planned on doing the next day. I miss the way she would walk up beside me and just grab my hand. I miss sitting down on the couch at the end of the day and having her walk over and wiggle her way in, so that she was somehow sitting right on top of me.  I even miss the way she smelled after a day of playing outside, or right after pulling her out of the tub.
But, as much as I miss all of those things, I am so proud of the young woman she is becoming. I cannot wait to see the things she will do, the path she will walk. I saw a quote once, when she was little (and I am sure I am butchering this, but you will get the gist of it), "Let her sleep, for when she wakes she will move mountains". It was painted over a crib on a nursery wall. I remember thinking when I saw it that that would be such a good quote to have for my girl. I know I was right. She is strong, fiercely opinionated, and determined. I can't wait to see those mountains move.....