Tuesday, May 30, 2006

The Girls

Tomorrow my daughter and I leave for North Carolina and her summer camp counselor job. This afternoon two of her best friends showed up and the three of them sat around the kitchen table for a few hours (and missed the fourth, who is staying in New Haven for the summer).

I love these girls. A jeans-and-t-shirt gang with no apparent interest in make-up or hair (although each one of them is quite capable of making a dazzling appearance on occasion). They are so funny and so smart and so relaxed, and they are so appreciative of each other and so good to each other.

As I headed outside, I thought of the four sets of parents sending their tiny girls off to Montessori school, hoping that pouring water and building the pink tower would somehow foster independence and friendship. I remembered these same girls peforming in elementary school programs, giggling through elementary school campouts, making serious middle school presentations, and preparing their magnificent 8th grade French feast, complete with musical entertainment.

It's been five years since they made their 8th grade Montessori graduation speeches and here they are, young women with licenses and colleges and plans.

They are SO BEAUTIFUL.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your daughter is so fortunate to have such long term friendships with a nice group of girls. She must have have learned her appreciation for female friendships from watching you. I think too many girls put those relationships aside when they reach their teen years, in favor of boyfriends. Little do they know that boyfriends come and go but those girlhood friendships can last a lifetime.

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure why the expression, "We reap what we sow" is the only thing popping into my head right now. Perhaps it's that you sowed the seeds of beauty, intelligence, creativity, and respect for our fellow human beings into "Lovely Daughter's" life. The friendships that she's sowed have reaped a lifetime of relationships.

Anonymous said...

Your daughter is indeed fortunate. I hope she has a great time at camp and that you both enjoy the journey.

Paul said...

You sound like Miss Jean Brodie. You're not a Commie, are you?

Lisa :-] said...

You made a great choice with the Montessori school. And, of course, your "hands-on" method of child-rearing. Rather than shipping them off and letting the public school system raise them. You done good, girl. And your daughter and her friends are truly the solid foundation of the future.

Cynthia said...

Reading this, I can't help but smile myself.

Anonymous said...

This is so fabulous to read. It must be a delight to see The Girls (minus one) growing up before your eyes. You have done a wonderful thing by providing a loving and nurturing place for them to come to. Enjoy your travels and have a safe trip.

emmapeelDallas said...

I love this, and I'm experiencing something similar with my kids right now. We are lucky moms.

Judi

Vicky said...

What a lovely celebration of your relationship with your daughter, Robin. This was a delight to read.

Vicky

V said...

Your happiness flows through your words.
Hugs,
V

sunflowerkat said...

Having these type of friendships are such a blessing. She will treasure these girls all her life.

I hope you have a safe trip and her summer at camp is WONDERFUL!