Rite of Passage

This text above deserves some background.... 

When Anna was in 6th grade or so, we went a fabulous talk that Julie Metzgar gave at Children's Hospital about puberty.  The talk was presented under a program called "Great Conversations" and is tagged as one that is for "helping preteens and their families in conversations about body changes, sex and other growing-up stuff."  

During one of the talks about girls getting their periods, Julie Metzgar showed slides of girls in villages around the world where the girls are honored and highly esteemed when they get their first periods.  This rite of passage is celebrated as girls are preparing for their roles as women.  In some cultures, these celebrations are as lavish as weddings and they are significant markers for the young women and their families. 

Rather than whisper about this behind closed doors and pretend that nothing has happened, Julie encouraged us to talk to our daughters about something we could do to mark the occasion whenever it happened. As Anna and I talked, we brainstormed special places we could go out to eat, and she thought it would be fun to go to the Melting Pot. So, we've tucked that idea away in the back of our minds for the last few years.   That explains this sweet text I got in the middle of a meeting when I was in Chicago in September,  and I was so excited for Anna.  I could not wait to get back and make a date with her to celebrate. 

It took us a little while to find a time on the calendar but last night, Jason and Taylor had something going on so we dressed up and had a night out on the town at the Melting Pot. 

It was such a treat to go out with this beautiful girl who is growing up before our eyes. 

I pinch myself that I get to be her mom and that she is so full of grace and wonder and gratitude.