Does that number shock you like it does me? Alyssa turned 17 this month! I am the mother of a 17-year-old. She is in her 18th year. Next year is her last year of high school. She is taking college classes. I am still trying to grasp these facts. This week I have been reflecting upon December of 1993. For the first time in years, I was no longer in school or working. I spent my days in a little Wymount apartment getting to know our sweet little girl. I curled up on the couch with her in my arms, staring at the tree lights and listening to Christmas music and thinking about Mary and her newborn son. What a calm and peaceful Christmas. I didn’t realize at the time how simple my life was. Barely any cleaning to do in a 450-square-foot apartment. Cooking for two—easy. Christmas shopping? Not much to buy at all, and not much money to buy it with, either. No wonder that was a magical Christmas.
A few things have changed since then, but I am still as thankful as ever to be Alyssa’s mother. These are 17 qualities I love about her.
- intelligence
- beauty—inside and out
- sincerity
- artistic ability
- musical talent
- sensibility
- honesty
- sensitivity
- obedience
- integrity
- kindness
- example
- good friend
- testimony
- faithful
- helpful
- self-confidence
Happy 17th birthday, Alyssa!
10 comments:
Mirien, if I can be anything like the mother you are when Anna is in her 18th year, I'll be patting myself on the back. Happy birthday, Alyssa!
What a great reminiscence of life those 17 years ago. A lot has changed since then! Happy birthday, Alyssa!
I remember those simple early days of motherhood very well. I read, cross-stitched and snuggled my baby all day long. On crazy days I still get a little nostalgic for that simplicity.
By the way, Happy birthday to your beautiful Alyssa!
what a great example alyssa is for her little cousins. and i L-O-V-E that picture!
I love that picture too! Happy Birthday Alyssa!!!!!!!!!
Ditto from me--gorgeous pictures and a beautiful list of qualities. She's the total package! Happy birthday Alyssa!
Happy (late) Birthday to my most mature niece!! Love you! Can't wait to travel together . . . ;-)
I have a few pictures of me visitng that little ole apartment and holding Alyssa. My how time has flown by. I think Melayna and I got to babysit or something.
Great quality list! Alyssa is an example of a good teenager. Keep it up.
Brad Fallon
Happy Birthday Alyssa! You look so cute in those pictures.
Post a Comment