Validated...

I've had quite a day... heartfelt conversation with my baby daughter, laughter, tears, & a whole lot more. She is music to my soul. We spent the whole day together, just the two of us! Okay, so we indulged ourselves with a few of my vices: pedis, soft pretzels with cheese, & a lil shopping. The best part... for me, was her companionship. If I ask her a question, I get an honest answer.

Funny the things we have in common. We both love watching children. She wants to be a teacher. We both love soft pretzels with cheese. Nothing makes us smile like ice-cream. Cherry coke also happens to be our favorite drink. We love to shop together, even if we don't buy much. I like to shop with her because she tells me the truth. If something doesn't look right, she calls it. If I make a purchase (when I'm with her), it's a keeper.

It's fun to see her become a young adult. I love seeing how her views evolve & change. I love the fact that she talks to me. She seems to share her deepest feelings, & in return, she listens to mine. Our words aren't always pretty; sometimes they are raw. They aren't necessarily easy to hear, but none the less, they are the truth. My eyes well up with tears, & she gives me the greatest gift a daughter can give. She validates me.

So here's the thing about the truth. It sets you free. We talked about how important it is in life to listen. We acknowledged the fact that as women, we always want to fix things for others. However, what's taken me almost 50 years to realize, she's somehow learned at 19. She asked me how to show someone you care when you can't fix her problem. My answer... just listen. Letting someone share her sorrows is healing. Just letting someone process her thoughts is healing. Knowing someone cares is healing. Most importantly, it validates her worth.

Dedicated to Kristen