19:25 Jan 07 2011
Times Read: 730
My pumpkin is 18 today. I did not give her permission to turn 18. I don't like it. I miss reading to her and to her sister, all cuddled together on my bed, stretching out the hour before lights-out, perhaps The Elephant's Child, or Rikki Tikki Tavi where I would stop reading a line and they would excitedly cry out,
"Then Kolokolo Bird said, with a mournful cry, 'Go to the banks of the great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees"
"Come hither, Little One, and I will whisper."
"and his tail grew bottle-brushy at the thought of it"
"Rikki-tikki felt his eyes growing red and hot"
"... and from time to time he would give his war cry of "Rikk-tikk-tikki- tikki-tchk!"
We loved Rudyard Kipling. His words are so alive and rich, dripping with exotic imagery and exciting adventure.
That time is past and I miss it deeply, though I love having daughters on the cusp of becoming amazing young ladies. I always have those two sweet little blonde heads nestled in my heart.
My Allie is 18. She is beautiful, intelligent, articulate, and ready for the world. If I had my way, I would tether her to my nest, but I raised her to fly, even as we snuggled together and explored the world from the safety of mom's bed and the beauty of a well-spun tale.
I love you, pumpkin. Fly high and remember, wherever you are, there is always room in mom's nest for her grown-up little chicky to visit, snuggle, and share stories.
Happy birthday!
COMMENTS
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BLOODLIFE
09:55 Jan 15 2011
Have a great day with it all.