Not only was UVA marked by 5 years of transitioning from a teenager to young adult...the same 5 years has been marked by the life of L.
From baby to toddler to kindergartener...it has been so much fun and I have seen my childhood development textbook grow up in front of my face.
Tonight was a blast...as it was just L and I (not that I don't love the other Williams, but I can't remember the last time it was 'just us.') Man, was L excited. We did whatever L wanted (at least she thought we were...I slipped in a trip to GAP and Eddie Bauer). From dinner to the mall to visiting Santa, we laughed and giggled and held hands the whole way...the only tear shed was when she declared she wanted me as her first grade teacher (that was when I met and had G). I know, heart tug.
More importantly, I loved our conversations, taking 30 minutes to eat 6 chicken nuggets, when she reaches to hold your hand, and how we pick up just where we left off...
L: "I cannot believe you brought stinky green (Momma's green volvo). I am going to beat him up. I love Blizzard (my new Volvo). I did not like Ol' Blue (my old blue volvo). He heard everything I said (when she was little I somewhat controlled her behavior by making her think Ol' Blue was a person...eek).
L: "Anni, I am out of gas."
L:"We have a real tree... it doesn't smell like pine."
L (while T's not looking and has been told not to eat anymore): "Can I have your truffle?"
L taking a bath. Me writing her list for Santa. Entries include bubble wrap and smelly markers.
I put her to bed and was in my room 2 floors below. I thought I heard her crying. I don't think I've ever climbed those stairs in 5 seconds. I opened the door and she was sprawled out snoring a tad.
Moral of the Story: L:"Anni, I love you." And, I love her. A great 5 years.
This entry is really special. Your genuine enjoyment and spontaneous reaction to children is quite special. I have known a few teachers like you, but know this for sure Annie, only a few. I served on a school board because there were too few of you. D may have gained or suffered because of my involvement, but I did it out of conviction that too few in the profession were dedicated to children. You are unique and I hope you never lose your imagination and understanding of the next generation.
ReplyDeleteI’m sorry we missed seeing you in early December when we were at D & T’s. We had a great weekend with them and it is always an added treat to get to see you.
For more years than I can remember, I have written an annual poem at Christmastime that recaps family events and I read this year’s poem to G and L when it came in the mail while we were there. As I started reading, G was across the room and L was sitting at the table with me. They both listened intently and G did a thumbs up at her Idol win, but when I got to the stanza about the zip line episode L quietly moved over to lean against me in a cuddling way. It left a lasting impression on me. Each year I think I’ll give up that tradition, but I’m rethinking it yet again.
Merry, Merry Christmas to you and stay with the blog. I'm sorry to say that I don't check it often enough but when I do I catch up on every word you've written since I last checked in.
Love you. Gran