My oldest is now 22. Her birthday was Tuesday, today is actually her due date. And funny, back in 1991, the 15th was a Tuesday and the 19th a Saturday. I can't believe it's been 22 years since they put that tiny baby girl in my arms. And yeah, "tiny" is the right word. She was only five pounds, 11 ounces. Her first Sunday, she wore a doll dress to church, and it fit perfectly! I was barely older than she is now when I gave birth to her. And now she's an adult, actually has been for four years.
Deborah was born an "old soul." Not that she didn't do childish things, not that she was able to be independent from the get-go, but there was something mature inside from the beginning. But as I look back over her past several years, it's been interesting to watch a very fast maturing. I think it's come from her experiences.
As a senior, a friend of hers, a teammate, was killed in an auto accident. Deborah's soul in anguish, she reached out to the rest of the team and gathered them in. And as time went on, and one in particular still really, REALLY struggled, she was there for that person, day or night. Even with her own pain, she reached out with comfort.

When school got out in April, she moved home and took over almost all my chores. Repeatedly, she asked me what needed to be done next, who needed to be taken where, and asked me to go sit down on the couch. When Aaron was born, she took to him immediately, soaking up that precious, perfect spirit of his, spending time with him.

Her funding for college ran out after two years, so she moved back home and went to work full-time, helping care for senior citizens that could no longer care for themselves. During that time she earned enough to buy herself a small older car (for cash, not on time) and put away enough to go back to school. Working graveyards for two years pretty much screwed up her sleeping schedule, but with it, she also made herself available in the home during the day if I needed to go out. See, she also learned all of Aaron's cares and emergency protocols.

was at about 40% if I remember right. She called me to run through things. I told her to start bagging him and if she didn't like how he looked in a minute, to call 911. I was on my way. (Wouldn't you know that day was the ONE day that traffic had to go the speed limit, side by side? Where's a cop when you WANT to get pulled over?) I got here as fast as I could, racing into the house. She had rescued him, found the problem, and he was playing happily. And she wasn't freaked out. She just did it.
Age is relative. Experience is relative. And I think often intensity is confused with maturity.
Laura Marling
What a very beautiful tribute to your daughter. You are proud of her but give yourself a pat on the back too- what a great mom you are to raise such a beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspirational Mom hon! Deborah has a very kindred soul, and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! <3 Much Love to you! <3
ReplyDeleteOh beautiful! *tears*
ReplyDeleteRebekah...I don't know if you will remember me, but I was the children's Librarian back in West Caldwell when Deborah was but three years old. I remember visiting your ward and listening to her sing "The Wise Man Builds His House Upon the Rock" and spending the day learning more about your faith. I must admit I am not the least bit surprised to see Deborah has grown into a remarkable woman, for your description of her as a child is just how I remember her. What a delight to see pictures of Mary, David, and Jonathan as well, looking just as I remember them! Aaron is just beautiful, as are all your children, and I wish each of you many happy moments together!
ReplyDeleteHolly (Martin) Belli
I love reading about you and your beautiful family. It's amazing how life's trials strengthen you individually and as a family. It's so wonderful when your children grow up to be your friends. Deborah is inspirational.
ReplyDelete