The rest of the story....

Kim, I only had enough time to take 5 or 6 pics of each girl.
These two are my other favorites of Sadie.
Am I seriously old enough to have a daughter this old?
Wait....don't answer that!

When did this happen?

I was asked by Sadie's Beehive leader to take pictures of all the Young Women
This was job I was really excited about! Teenagers are great to shoot, there willing to try anything I ask them to.
So I started with the Laurels and worked my way down through the Beehives.
Sadie was the second to last girl before the night was done.
As I looked through me lens at her, my heart fluttered and my breath caught.
I was looking a young women !
Not a little girl .
This struck me so hard .
I look at this face all day everyday. But this face on this day, it was as if she changed right before my eyes.
Or maybe not?
I know time has changed her, especially in the last two years.
But I would look at her and see those rapid changes and think to myself
"Slow down, your just a little girl, this is all happening to fast"
So I have thought of her as a little girl inside this changing body wishing the outside and inside would reconcile.
And last night I think I got my wish.
Was I able to see her as the world sees her ?
Was I able to let go of the worry that is my constant companion when I am parenting her?
Or was able to look her how I should always look her?
This beautiful girl that has blessed my life in so many ways.
Who teaches through her example of Love, and Acceptance, and Patience.
I have had people tell me time and time again what an amazing spirit she has.
And I was lucky enough to see that literally radiate for her and change me.
I Love You Sadie!