Tuesday, April 06, 2010

I wanna hold your hand


Selah has been part of our family for 14 months, and things are good. She's doing great in school, she's jumped right into sports and church and groups of friends. She eats what we eat (with perhaps a few different preferences....like Berbere on her deviled eggs). We joke that we know we're adjusting as a family because the girls fight like sisters!

Most days, we don't think much about attachment.

Then there are days like last week.

We were visiting my parents, and we went on a walk to the fish pond with Nana and the cousins. As we were walking, Selah came up beside me and put her hand in mine. I was immediately aware of the fact that she put her hand in mine.

In 14 months, I'm not sure that's ever happened.

We hold hands all the time, but it's me reaching out for her.

Attachment is the process of learning that we need each other. Selah tells us every day that she loves us, but for 14 months, Selah has been trying to convince everyone that she can do it on her own. She tries to prove that she can pour her own milk on her cereal, pick out her own clothes, play on the computer by herself (grr...), and plan her life by herself.

Putting her hand in mine had all kinds of meaning. And she knew it too. We walked down the road together in silence for a few minutes, hand in hand, before she looked at me and said, "Mom, I held your hand!"

I know, I said...and I love it!

11 comments:

elisa said...

*tears*, what a wonderful moment! Thank you for sharing it with us!

veggiemom said...

You gave me goosebumps!

Amanda said...

Beautiful. Simply beautiful.

Missy said...

Awww!!! So perfect!

Craig and Phyllis said...

Wonderful! What a great milestone to pass!

gigglechirp said...

beautiful. thanks for sharing!

and, YAY!

Dana said...

Amazing how very small things can mean so much more in these situations. I have had similar "moments".

Michelle said...

Aww! That's wonderful.

The Dishmans said...

What a great moment! Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

This post caused me to exhale deeply, what a beautiful moment.

coffeemom said...

Ah, those small things. They are SO big. Hoorah for those moments, bravo to you both for recognizing it!

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