Grow Like the Redwoods

How does it happen? You blink and they grow up. One day they seek you out for food and comfort and before you realize it, all they want are the keys to the car. Well, not really, but my goodness, how quickly it does seem to happen. Tonight she went to the semi-formal. She went with a group, so at least it wasn't a boyfriend thing.
....She looked so beautiful. She spent a good part of the afternoon getting herself ready. Her sister came over to help her do her hair and makeup. Carefully making sure everything looked good together, not too much mascara, just the right amount of eye shadow, a little blush.
.....My, she looked beautiful. She always has been a beauty. Even as a baby she glowed with a warm smile that she eagerly shared with anyone who looked her way. She still smiles continually. Her ability to look at the world in all its splendor, seeing only the things that are good; it's contagious. I almost used "Joy" as her middle name.
I know she will have a great time with her friends, laughing, dancing, just hanging out.
I wish it all didn't pass so quickly. I wish we could freeze frame certain parts of our lives. The parts that we like. I am so glad to have been a part of her life. Glad that I have helped shape and mold her into the woman she will become. A young man's wife. A child's mother. It is not only an incredible experience to parent her, but it is truly a joyful one. Before long I will be crying at her wedding, so I probably shouldn't get so melancholy about all this! Just more ponderings...