Phenomenal Women

“You are the sweetest gift, my little pearl. You are a bright young thing and the whole world is in front of you. Take things as they come and you will weather well. Go everywhere. Be brave and strong and free. Keep your eyes and ears and heart wide open. Look for goodness all around you. And when you feel small in the great big world, be still. Think of your beautiful roots. They are deep and true and will allow you to stretch far. So go into the world and let your little light shine. And always remember you are loved and blessed and the littlest one that ever stole my heart.’ Rebecca Puig

Lately I’ve been feeling like a character in that children’s book, The Borrowers: a small child trying with all my might to turn a page in a great big book, many times larger than I. This year in particular has presented momentous events like 50th birthdays, 50th anniversaries, multiple graduations, and a load of firsts from first boyfriends to first coed sleepover to first day in high school and next week, taking my first child to college. I told you the page was huge!

Turning the page on this chapter of motherhood mandated calling in reinforcements. On Sunday, I invited 10 of the wisest women I know to share what they wish they knew at 17. And they came - “with bells on!”

    Experiment! Be prepared for… happiness…hard work…love!
        Be your own person! Be kind to yourself!
            Smile and shine!

Together we filled a hope chest of wisdom, saving me dozens of lectures that would have gone in one ear and out the other, and instead sunk in deeply for later excavation. My heart overflowed as I listened to reflections and learned new stories, with each loving these women more and more. Two things were clear: this girl is loved, and so am I. That big page is now easier to turn, and also a bit tear-stained.

Once again, I witnessed with awe the blossoming of my seed of an idea - gathering women together - blooming beyond my wildest imaginings. My daughter and I received this outpouring of wisdom from these wild and wonderful women, encouraging and uplifting us all to be bold, brave, play big and take care of ourselves. We were each a gift to each other.

As I drive those 300 miles to St. Louis this week, I take a heart full of grace, knowing somehow that Launching Laney into this great big, crazy world is the very best thing I can do in this moment, and perhaps the hardest. As she spreads her wings, I will continue to water her roots. These phenomenal women have my back. Together we will turn this page. And all will be well.