Birthdays

My oldest daughter turned 10 today. There is such a mixture of emotions I encounter each time one of my children celebrates a birthday.

I'm overjoyed at the priveldge of being a parent.
I'm a little freaked out that my children are actually getting older.
I remember the emotions I felt at those ages: the things I was afraid of, my friends at the time, the way I viewed my parents; and I wonder how they are viewing their world.
I'm thrilled (yes, prideful) of the beauties they are becoming, their maturity and sense of self are astonishing to me.
I'm sad to see the years of "tiny" fall away - tiny hands and feet, tiny kisses, tiny teeth, tiny little bodies.
The feeling that I want to be the most important guide for me on their birthdays is HOPE. I hope they will continue to grow well. I hope for their future. I hope they will always celebrate their birthday's with me. I hope I am doing what God wants me to do as their mother. I just hope!