It is now official...my job is done! I can now live the rest of my life in peace. Thanksgiving dinner was at my daughter's home this year for the first time. I can hardly believe the words as I see them appearing on my screen, but it is true. Those of you who are the parents of older children will understand. You spend many years worrying what will happen if, God forbid, something should happen to you. They are almost there...not quite...inching toward adulthood....ever so slowly. Now, at last, I think she has crossed the finish line and I can uncross my fingers. Today is the day that it happened. How do I know? Just look at this pie! Is this not the most beautiful apple pie you have ever seen? She baked it from scratch, crust and all! This is no ordinary pie...it's a miracle!
This pie was baked by the child who used to wear her crinoline in the front yard because she was convinced that it was a tutu...that same little girl who poured out an entire bottle of shampoo in the tub for a very bubbly tea party. This pie is the creation of the teenager who kept a supply of toilet paper under her bed so that she could crawl out of the window at night and roll the neighbor's yard....the one who spilled pink nail polish on the carpet beside her bed and didn't tell me for three days. Yes, that person is the same person who baked this pie! And now when I see her in her beautiful home with her wonderful husband and my sweet grandson, I know my job is done. Of course, she will still ask me for advice and she may or may not take it. But she has her own family now. She is a grown-up woman. Yes, my job is done ...and the proof is in this pie!Since this post was written, they have blessed me with two more little grandsons and I continue to be amazed at what a wonderful daughter, wife and mother she has become!
You can find her pie recipe here.
Debbie...that is a great looking pie! You taught her well! :-) I know our job is to raise them so that they are independent and don't need us anymore...but I sure would like to shrink my son back down to around age 8 for just a day or two. :-)
ReplyDeleteSusan
Debbie this is the sweetest post you have done,,and girlfirend my heart is just over joy at the pride you must feel..Well done Lady you raise a woman, a wife and a Mother..don't you feel like a million dollars?? as a mother I know how you feel..bet you had a lump in your thoat...How special your Thanksgiving was dear friend..Hugs and smiles Gloria
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere that the love of a parent for a child is the only love that grows toward separation. Unfortunately that is true. The better job you have done, the less dependant they become, and that is the way it should be.
ReplyDeleteI also think at that point you become true friends, not just parent and child. I rejoice and celebrate with you over this major accomplishment of your daughter's.
Congratulations on enjoying the fruits of your parenting! Looks like your daughter learned her lessons well by watching you. Good job Debbie! The pie is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSmiles,
Carol
Thanks so much for stopping by Glenda! Yes, you know you've done a good job when they can leave. It's a bittersweet victory, isn't it? Thanks for understanding!...Debbie
ReplyDeleteDebbie I have tagged you ..come and get it...hugs and smiles Gloria
ReplyDeleteI thought you might enjoy checking out Susan's post about Gloria (Happy To Be). Here is the web link:
ReplyDeletehttp://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2008/09/gloria-happytobe-and-dreams-of-high.html
I saw your comment that indicated that you didn't know she was a pilot. Happy reading.
What a beautiful essay Debbie. My baby girl is inching there also, and it's the strangest thing that her making our pies this year from scratch brought me to that realization. I know how proud you must be of your daughter and the amazing young lady that she has become. And by the way, that pie does look fantastic. Kudos to your daughter. Thanks so much for this post. Kathy
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie, I hope your daughter reads your blog because she would be thrilled to know you are so proud of the woman she's become. Good job you did there Mom! ;-) Bo
ReplyDeleteThanks Glenda for giving me that link and thanks to Susan for posting it! Our Gloria is certainly an amazing woman, isn't she?...Debbie
ReplyDeleteDebbie, what a great posting! That pie is beautiful! I vividly recall how surprised and proud I was when my children became parents, and they became responsible adults overnight! I was so proud. But neither of mine have ever baked a pie like this (except Mrs. Smith's frozen pies!). I'm so glad you had such a wonderful day! (Aren't grandchildren just the best thing that's ever happened to us?) laurie
ReplyDeleteOh Debbie, I do know what you mean. I've watched my daughter become a woman and raise 2 great sons and then watch as 1 son became a man with his own family and son. My daughter then understood how I felt when she was "really" grown as she watched her oldest be "really" grown.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first visit to your wonderful place. I'm loving it! I came over from Ann's.
ReplyDeleteIsn't is grand when we learn that our offspring can make it without us? - even though, at times, we really don't want them to.
Have you met Mary, at Across the Pond? She just returned from France a few weeks ago. I think you would love her blog.
I'll be back,
Deborah
congrats!!!! I still have several years of bubble parties to go!
ReplyDeleteAwww Debbie what a sweet revelation. You did really good maman! And that is one luscious looking pie!*winks* Vanna
ReplyDeleteAAAH! Debbie where do I begin. First with the beautiful family you have and that gorgeous daughter and grandson. Now for that wonderful looking pie WOW I am impressed.But most of all my friend the wonderful Mother, friend, that wrote these touching words. What a tribut to you and your daughter.What a perfect post for a day of Thanksgiving for all of our true blessings, Family, Love you friend, Kathysue
ReplyDeleteWhat a delicious-looking pie! And what a wonderful, wonderful post--and how true. My mother passed the torch to me. I went back to the grocery today to put a spin on the leftovers, and she was tickled.
ReplyDeleteI meant to tell you--I am a serious plate addict. I stopped by the antique mall today to buy "angel stones" for my mother and brother--and I got sidetracked by the dishes.
Hope you had a great holiday!
What a sweet post! I have to tell you how much I love your blog name...I'm another plate addict & I take my addiction very seriously. ;o)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post mon amie! It makes me a little verklempt at I read it.
ReplyDeletebut the pie...WOW!!! A++++++++++++ It looks so yummy and I like that it piled high with apples.
Deb
Oh and Debbie, I have completed my task. Whew..I was a bit of a struggle what with a spooked keyboard! Phantom 3 and r's keep appearing!. ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much for including me, it was fun.
Debbie
It sounds like you did a great job raising your daughter--my, my that pie looks delish! I know that your Thanksgiving Day was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI'm taking a tour of your blog and had to stop and comment...this made me down right weepy-eyed! *wipes away a tear* LOVE how you write! Laura
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Page... I'm sure her little men are helping make one of her best birthdays yet.
ReplyDeletehugs ~lynne~
I just got finished saying how I had a massive sweet tooth tonight, these pics didn't help one bit. LOL Happy Birthday Page!!!
ReplyDeleteMiss Thang - we need to talk about that weekend in Atlanta I had mentioned earlier in the year. You remember? Me making a trip down to visit you? Let talk about when you think you could stand a visitor who has invited herself over. haha Love you!
Deb this is so sweet beyond words. I love this. So simply and beautifully stated. She did bake a beautiful pie!
ReplyDeleteKathysue
That is wonderful! Such a lovely post.
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