GRRL

 I swear I am not an overprotective mom. I’m not. But I’m old. I know things. I was ten once. And I’m a writer. Have been since birth. So all the awkward things have happened to me. Truly. That’s part of being a writer. If your life is smooth sailing there isn’t shit to write about. So when I walk into social type situations with my girl, who is also clearly a writer, I put my guard up. I’m not saying that’s a good thing. But it’s what I do. 

Charlie is a little daydreamer. She once told my dad to turn off the radio in the car. “I can’t imagine, Papa! Turn it off!” She yelled at him from the back seat, gazing out the window at the passing trees. She plays with the kids that will play pretend with her. She could care less who you are or where you came from, if you have an imagination and an easy laugh, she’s in. 

She was homeschooled up until second grade. Before I put her in school she was a little free spirit. Barefoot and picking flowers and always singing at the top of her voice. 


I enrolled her in public school because we were lucky enough to have an amazing little school right by us.I wanted her to stay on track and make some friends and maybe have to fall a little. I didn’t want to coddle her. So off she went. Her teachers were wonderful. She did great. Of course she had her moments. Charlie is an emotional little soul. Again, she’s a writer. But Charlie changed. Of course kids grow and change. But I saw sadness take root. Something that told her lies. I’m her mama. I know my baby girl. So when she said she wanted to homeschool again, when she said she wanted more time with me, I listened. I talked to the teachers and the therapist. I thought about how to do it right and keep her on task. And then I hugged her tight and made it happen.


I walked into her last field day yesterday and told myself to untie the knots inside. I watched the kids interact. I saw her get dramatic and then let it go to have fun. I saw who she played with and who played back. I watched. I saw. And then she ran into my arms and whispered, “Okay mama. Let’s go home.” 


I’m happy to have my girl back. Because it will be gone in an instant.

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