My Little Stranger

22nd September 2013

I had the opportunity to walk my girl to school that day. As we walked down the path, I held her little hand and we had small conversations along the way.The sun was shining brightly that morning and a breeze blew by just then, prompting her to comment on what a 'windy and sunny day' it was.

She was sharing with me what her favourite things and numbers were. And for the twentieth time, I learnt that her favourite character was Thomas the train, and her favourite colour and number were 'blue' and '1'.

Then in her sweet little voice, she asked me what my favourite colour and number were.  I shared with her that mine were 'pink' and '7', and that I liked princesses instead of trains.

She seemed to be storing these little bits of information in her mind as she was quiet for awhile after that.

We walked in amiable silence for a short distance before we spotted some dog poo lying in the grass. I reminded her again why we should always keep our eyes peeled whenever we walk on grass patches, just in case we accidentally stepped onto dog poo like these. 'Eee...' she said. 'So smelly.' And we both laughed. 

Indeed it was a lovely morning walking my precocious darling to school and having the opportunity to know her a little more. It is always a privilege for me to understand what goes on in that little mind of hers. All the funny thoughts and quips that she tells me constantly never fails to amaze and amuse me each time.

By sharing with me her likes and dislikes, I am offered a peek into the mysterious little complex mind of hers. Although I was the one who carried her in my womb for 9 months sharing with her everything I had, ultimately she is an individual by herself.

Her thoughts are not privy to me. I wouldn't know what goes on in that little mind of hers. She didn't inherit my likes and dislikes, the way I think, and most definately not my character. Technically, I had given birth to a complete stranger!

Yet this little baby girl was being drawn into my life little by little, day by day, intertwining inextricably into mine until I  cannot imagine life away from her. Holding on to her little hand, I feel an unexplainable sense of marvel at the honour of being the one responsible in everyway to protect, shield and shelter her from all sorts of harm.  

Although she is content to hold my hand and share her thoughts with me now, it wouldn't be long before this little baby of mine grows up into an independant young lady with thoughts of her own. She will probably not enjoy my company or share her thoughts as freely with me then. And I'll understand.

In time to come, perhaps it will be her big grown-up hands holding on to my wrinkled old ones In turn. But  till then, I will relish and savour these little precious moments close to my heart before she and her brother grows up. It will only be too soon.

There are two little strangers living with me. Everyday I am learning something new about these strangers of mine.

And everyday, I learn to love them even more.  ♥