My oldest child...

is a beautiful 12-year-old girl. She is growing up so fast that I feel as though I'm getting left behind. She is nearly as tall as I and blossoming into a sweet, poised young lady. I pray every day that God will give me the wisdom and patience to help her as she faces the challenges that lie ahead. I told her the other day that I feel she is now ready for us to be more like best friends and less like mother and daughter, although my authority over her still remains. She is fun to be around!