Her name is Allanah. Her birth certificate says that she was born in 1999. But, some days I'm convinced that she is much older than facts dictate.
As her mother, I am keenly aware of what our roles should be and that I am the one who should be teaching her lessons. And, I believe that I do.
I've nurtured this beautiful gem of a daughter for almost fifteen years. I rocked her as a newborn against my chest. I taught her the alphabet and patience as a toddler. I kissed her cheek goodbye on her first day of kindergarten and promised her that everything would be okay. I guided her through the purchase of her first bra. I helped her pick her dress for her very first middle school formal dance. I taught her to apply makeup and reminded her of just how beautiful she is - inside and out. And, I have kissed her boo-boos - helping to soothe both the physical ones and those inevitable emotional ones.
