Counting My Blessings Part Three

My Daughter, My Friend

I love how as she grows older, our relationship is evolving into a friendship as well. I know some people stress how important it is for parents to be parents, NOT a friend to their child. I agree with the logic behind that statement. But it is different with Mandi. She is such an easy child to raise that there really is no need for me to execute my authority. She has always been this way. She follows the rules, always does what is expected of her and goes out of her way to please. I have honestly never had to discipline her harshly - a gentle guidance or reminder is all she has ever needed. Linzi absolutely idolizes her big sister and their relationship is so very sweet. One of my greatest joys is watching them just hang out together and knowing that they have each other for life.

Some things that make Mandi so very special:

• Her sweet nature and compassionate heart.
• She is so intuitive to others' feelings and emotions.
• Her maturity. She is wise beyond her years in the best way. Sometimes I am amazed by the depth of our conversations and the way she intuitively understands people and situations.
  
• Her intelligence. Mandi has always been in the gifted program and a straight "A" student. She works hard and is very, very focused on getting good grades. The dynamics of our family make it difficult for us to fully acknowledge her efforts without making another feel bad. We have to tread gently and find a balance that keeps everyone's self esteem in tact. This has been one of my biggest challenges as a parent. Thankfully, Mandi understands this, another example of her maturity. In 7th grade, she has already been identified by several talent search college programs and invited to participate in various programs. She is looking at an ecology study trip to Costa Rica and a marine biology course at Duke in the Outer Banks. With her grades and these experiences, she will be golden on her college apps. At some point I am going to have to go back to work to pay for an ivy league education for this one! To say I am proud of her is an understatement! :-)
• She is a "girly" girl, but not a prissy one. There is a big difference!
• She has a sense of style and great ideas. I love shopping with her!
• She loves animals. Both of my girls are big animal lovers and this is so important to me. I am a HUGE animal person. She wants to be a marine biologist, which I think is so very cool!
  
• She is a big sister, the best one ever.
  
• She has a good head on her shoulders. I trust her completely in any situation that I feel she is old enough to handle. It's funny, when I think of my other two children going out into the world on their own, I worry and it is hard for me to imagine them so grown up. With Mandi, I don't have those worriesome feelings. I just know she will be ready when the time comes-not that I am looking forward to it. I don't!
• She is my friend. If she wasn't my daughter and my age, she is the kind of person I would admire and seek out as a friend.

I am grateful for the stability, pride and joy she brings to all of our lives. When I look back at her early childhood, there is one word that stands out. Enchanted. I was totally enchanted by her sweet nature. As she has grown, the enchantment has turned to admiration. I admire her so much. I wish I could take credit for everything that is good about her, but I can't. It's all her!