Madison, my daughter, has a gift for writing notes. Not the kind that will get you in trouble at school — the kind that will make you smile, the kind that will make you feel loved. Writing notes is one of her preferred ways to express her love for us.
We have a dresser in the hallway right outside her door. The dresser is filled with towels, but when I pass the dresser in the morning it’s not really a towel that I’m looking for but a note from Madison.
Often, right before she goes to sleep, Madison will write a note and leave it on that dresser. The note will say something like “Mom, wake me up early” or “Mom, thanks for being a great softball coach” or “Dad, thanks for helping me with my project.‚Äù Sometimes the notes express her heart as she apologizes for something she said or did.
I love getting those notes. I love the fact that she has an outlet to express herself.
Yesterday, I got an elaborate three page note from Madison as she shared with me some things I had done recently to help some people. She talked about how I was her hero and how special I was to her. She talked about wanting to grow up and be just like me.
I’m happy and thrilled and humbled and somewhat intimidated that Madison would want to grow up and be like me. What really needs to happen is for me to grow up and be more like her.
6 Responses to “When I Grow Up”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
March 9th, 2005 at 11:25 pm
Randy:
Since you’ve not had any comments, let me be the first! Your family is very special in many ways (as you well know). I hope you treasure those memories … my mom asks me all the time, “Do you remember when…?” and then proceed to describe something one of my children did and I have no memory whatsoever!
Looking forward to spending some time w/ you in Malibu. I think we should take some guitars w/ us and blow off the lectures altogether!
March 9th, 2005 at 11:27 pm
I thought I signed in so you’d know who was writing about memories and forgetfulness.
March 10th, 2005 at 9:19 am
Madison reminds us of how we want to have the heart and forgiveness of a child. “Execept you be as children you cannot enter the kingdom” What a sweet example she is to so many. Also a testimony of the servant hearts of her parents.
jb
March 15th, 2005 at 2:27 am
Love can only be express when you feel it. For her to be writting her feelings is the best and the greatest thing anyone can do. If she has being saying them, it could been kept in only your mind but for the note someone else could read and know how much greatful she is to have such a wonderful God gifted parents who are full of love to share for everyone they encounter. May God bless her for being the voice for all of us who are not able to do so.
March 15th, 2005 at 7:27 am
IT’S EASY TO TAKE ONE’S PARENTS FOR GRANTED:
I don’t remember writing notes to my parents in the way Madison does. I don’t remember telling them how much their love and sacrifice has meant to me save for one instance when something my father told me instantaneously inspired me to express my enthusiasm.
Point is I haven’t done this enough. Madison’s example is a challenge to me to find a way to express my love and admiration for my parents more often and readily.
Ebere.
March 15th, 2005 at 11:42 am
Randy: Thank you for these loving thoughts. My son is a grown man now , but I still cherish some of the little notes he left for me. My favorite one is ” I.O.U. a lot of money when I grow up” I am waiting for the perfect time to collect on that one.
The other day I got my first “letter” from my grandaughter. What a joy and a treasure.