Safekeeping

Today our daughter turns 14. For 14 years, she’s taken Tiggy with her everywhere she has travelled. She even bought a back-up Tiggy (Big Tig) when Lil’ Tiggy began to show signs of wear and tear. Then, Lil’ Tiggy would stay home and Big Tig would travel with her. But this year is different. She’s growing up and becoming fiercely independent. Earlier this week, she left for a school trip to Costa Rica – without either Tiggy. I had to fight back tears when she said she didn’t want to risk losing them on the trip. This morning, I walked into her dad’s office where I found both Tiggies on her dad’s book shelf – tucked away for safekeeping while she’s away. She may be growing up, but I hope she never gets too old to remember the magic and love of Tiggy.

Random Question

Conversation with the then 8-year old

Her: “Mom, what’s more important to you – having a clean house or me having clean clothes?”

Me: “They’re both important. Why?”

Her: “No reason….but you know, I answer your odd questions all the time, right?”

Heart Breaker

Conversation between the then 7-year old and her dad

Her: “Dad, I don’t want to break your heart, but I might not be a medic astronaut.”

Him: “Why not?”

Her: “My friend wants me to be an animal rescuer.”

Him: “Well, you know, it doesn’t really matter what I want you to be or what your friend wants you to be. Do what makes you happy?”

Her: “OK, maybe I can be a medic astronaut first and then when I retire I can be an animal rescuer.”

Time

Conversation with the then 8-year old

Me: “What’s the problem you’re having understanding how to tell time?”

Her: “Understanding it!”

Me: “Well, I guess that answers my question….”

Room Service

This week the teen and I travelled to DC to see the cherry blossoms (we planned to travel to Japan but had to postpone that trip until next summer). If you know me, you know that I have to pack everything possible into our travels- all the museums, new restaurants, trivia, shopping…. I just can’t sit still for too long. But, today the teen told me that we need to schedule at least one day, during our travels, to stay in our hotel room and do nothing … just be together (and order room service). This was a timely reminder that it’s not how many different things we do that matter – it’s the time spent together (even when we irritate each other and have to ask for forgivenss for being snippy). (P.S. She stared over my shoulder and proofread this post as I typed – she is definitely her mother’s child!)

Tiggy

Today I cried. For the first time in 13 years, our daughter pondered whether or not to take Tigger (aka TIggy) with her on a trip. (He’s been her constant companion since birth.) When I asked why, she shared that she didn’t want him to get hurt or lost. But I knew the truth – she’s growing up. Although I knew this day would come, I wasn’t ready for it today.

When the Teen Wants to Talk, I listen (and write)

Several years ago, I created this blog as a way to reflect on interesting conversations with my daughter, Journey, and as a creative form of stress relief. But, as too often happens in life, I’ve not kept up with this practice. Last night Journey asked me to restart the blog. If you’re the parent of a teen you’ll understand what this requests means to me (i.e., She actually wants to talk with me). So, starting today, I’m relaunching the blog – “Conversations with Journey”. Wish me luck!

    Do Unto Others…

    Conversation with Journey – October 6, 2017:

    “Remember Mom, when you get old, I’m gonna treat you just like you treat me when I’m a child.” (I may be in trouble…)