When You Were 10

When you were 10...

You are starting to develop a moral code. Through your own decision making and also through the influence of your parents, you decided that clothing that showed bellies is inappropriate, that smoking should be illegal, and that equality is important. A fieldtrip to the statehouse taught you about our Governor and about the Superintendent of Education and you decided that the Governor and government are wrong for creating a law to kick out an elected official.

When you were 10...

Your heart is so amazingly compassionate. We took a donation of food to the humane society and you fell completely in love with a pit bull with 1 eye. Others walked past him, thinking he was ugly. But you saw his beauty and his tenderness. And it broke your heart that we couldn't bring him home. You seek out people and animals that need a helping hand, that need an advocate, that need a friend. I love that about you.

When you were 10...

You heart is also amazingly fragile. I watch you with your friends and your classmates. I can see how much you want to be liked and accepted but you also struggle when these people that you want to like you but they behave in ways you don't understand - like being more "grown up" than you or being mean to other kids.

When you were 10...

It is frustrating and infuriating at times but I have to admit there is a part of me that loves your attitude. When you talk back, I know you will be a girl and eventually a woman who stands up for herself. That's important! We don't let the behavior slide but deep on the inside, I do appreciate that spunk.

I think 10 is my favorite age so far. You still have big emotional reactions to things but there is more to it than just a feeling. You are smart and beautiful and funny and compassionate. It's an honor to watch you becoming you!