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October 17, 2007
Birthday
"I'm ready for bed, Mom," Quinn said, walking into my bedroom where I was reading and waiting for her to have her Starfall fix for the evening.
"Come here, sweetie," I said to her, setting my book aside and fluffing the pillows next to me. "I want to tell you something."
She settled into my bed with me, flopping around only minimally, and let me hug her close.
"When you were born," I said, "it was the happiest day in my whole life. The best day I'd ever had."
"Mo-om, I know that," she said, rolling away from me, impatient with a story she's heard a thousand times.
"But Quinn, wait," I said. "There's more." She knelt next to me, uncharacteristically attentive.
"You have changed my whole life," I told her. "You've made everything brighter, and shinier, and more interesting and important. I am a better person since I've become your mommy, and it's all because of you. I think you're the most interesting, most funny, most loving person I've ever known, and I'm so proud...every day I'm so proud to be your Mommy."
Quinn looked at me, and it was one of those moments where you really feel like you're connecting with someone, that they are really understanding exactly what you're saying, and what you're trying to say but can't find the words for.
"I know it's been hard for you since I've been back to school being a teacher," I said, and her eyes welled up with tears. "I know that I haven't been able to take you to school anymore, and I haven't been able to visit your classroom, and that you've had to go to afterschool until I come to get you. And I know that I've been tired and busy for a lot of time on the weekends. But you are doing great, sweetie, and I am proud of you for that, too." She rubbed the tears out of her eyes, but didn't say anything. She looked tired.
"But you know what, sweetie?" I said. "Even though I'm a teacher again, the most important job I have is still being your mommy. That will always be my most important, best, luckiest job in the whole world."
"If you have to cry, Mommy, you can," she told me. "Because I think you're making me sad."
Happy birthday, Quinn. You are the best bunny I could have ever wished for.
Posted by Amy at October 17, 2007 10:45 PM
Comments
Amy,
I'm C.R.Y.I.N.G!!!! I just read through that once, and then read it to my service contract. Both of us welled up...wow. That's powerful Mommy wordage. I love those conversations. I love that you have those with Quinn. I'm so glad you're my friend and I get to read your thoughts since we don't get to talk all that often. Give Quinn a hug for us. We miss her all ready! :)
Posted by: DarcieBells at October 24, 2007 1:00 PM
Holy cow I think I'M getting teary eyed. She's getting so big! Happy Birthday Quinny!
Posted by: Maggie at October 31, 2007 8:26 PM