Bittersweet

My dear friend S has a daughter who is graduating from high school this year.

Well actually she already did, graduation was Friday night.

WAY TO GO H!!!

I have watched her daughter grow from a little girl of six years old to a beautiful young lady.

And the time for S right now is filled with bittersweet memories. Sweet because she remembers all of her time with H. Bitter because H is growing into a woman and taking her own path in life.

S talks about the memories of her first baby cuddled in her arms. Her first smile. Her first steps, and her first words.

Memories of H walking down the kindergarten hall at school and being promoted to Jr. high and then high school.

Memories of her being a cheerleader, to her getting her drivers license and her beloved Ford Mustang.

And while the road hasn't always been easy it has been paved with love. Only love that a mother can give.

S just told me last week, she blinked and the years are gone. She blinked and H went from turning one to turning eighteen.

Again she holds on to those bittersweet memories.

Her baby will be going off to college and leaving home. S knows the days H being at home every day are few and precious.

She wonders if she had taught her daughter everything she will need to grow in life. To become a woman one day. To follow her heart and God's will in her life.

S wonders if she had taught her daughter to be strong and gracious. To be bold yet humble. To search God when times are troubled. To listen to Him when He speaks to her heart.

I know she has taught her daughter these things.

Know how I know? I take one look at S and see all of the above listed things and so much more.

H has had the best role model in life. She has nothing to worry about.

H, I'm so proud of you! I know great things are in store for you. God has a wonderful plan for you.

S, I love you! And yes the time is bittersweet. But know this my friend....You are a Godly woman, a gracious woman, a loving woman, a smart woman, and a kind hearted woman. You are a wonderful mother and role model for your children. You are the epitome of what a mother should be.

I only hope that when I grow up I am half the mother and woman you are!!

I love you both!!