To celebrate, we will throw a party in her honor...but that's a couple weeks away. The actual Big Day landed on a Wednesday. So she went to school (even though in our house you can skip on your birthday if you want!). And she tried out for District Choir (and made it, I might add....top alto!). And then the four of us headed to the fanciest restaurant around. Sybill's, set in a grand, plantation style house, offers wonderful food, superb service, and an elegant environment. Due to the "pretty" price tag, it's a treat we save for very special occasions. And this was one. Hillary was so excited! Over candlelight and a real tablecloth my gorgeous young woman spoke of the day's events, college plans, and favorite birthday memories. Elegant and sophisticated, she fit right in and looked like she belonged to this graceful world.
And I couldn't help comparing it to other birthdays.
Chuck E. Cheese with blaring music and garish characters. Kid's World with Barbie cake and screaming kids climbing through the play place like mice in a maze.
My how things have changed!
And then, after cheesecake desert, Hillary looked at the time and said, "Mom, church starts at 7. We're only a little bit late."
Then again, some things never change!
I know that when I was 18, I would gladly have skipped a church service to be pampered and celebrated. Heck, I'd do it today, if given the chance! But Hillary has always loved going to church. There was one Sunday night...she couldn't have been more than 5...when Hubby and I decided to stay home and relax for the evening. Hillary just looked at us and said in a rather accusing way, "Does Pastor know about this?"
So she and I left Dad at Sybill's to pick up the tab, and we slid in the pew just as the service was being turned over to the preacher. Hillary took notes during the message, prayed in the altar service, and then laughed and teased with her friends as we lingered in the sanctuary. Happy and wholesome, she fit right in, and looked like she belonged in this Grace full world.
And even though it was her birthday...I was the one who'd been given a gift.
2 comments:
You are right. Hillary and Parker both are wonderful precious gifts. Enjoy them while you can. MOM
fonda as always, you stirred up my heart with story. as i too look at my eighteen year old son with grateful wonder at my unmerited favor. thank you j.j.
Post a Comment