On my 19th birthday, my mom gave me a little book called "Did I Tell You?" by Elizabeth Knapp. I was so moved by the words in this book, and every so often open it up and read it through again. Each time, I am touched. Now that I have a daughter, these words are even more significant, more beautiful. I want to share some of it with you. She wrote it apparently as she pondered these questions with friends as their almost grown children went off on their own...
"For all who have wondered... Did I tell you?
Did I tell you to love, not with a fairweather love, but with a love that accepts and cherishes unconditionally. Love not with a quick and passing love, but with a love that is a quiet peace within your heart.
Did I tell you to be thoughtful. Not to be a martyr or doormat to be trod upon, but to be aware of other people and their needs. To meet others with awareness and within your own framework be able to meet them halfway and on occasion go the other half joyfully.
Did I tell you to be bold. To be not afraid of the unknown, but to live life to the fullest and meet each new experience with joy and anticipation.
And did I tell you be cautious. To temper your daring and sense of adventure with good judgment and consideration.
Did I tell you to serve other people if only in a small way. There is growth and satisfaction in being part of something larger than yourself and your life will be richer for knowing this.
And did I tell you the joy and challenge of being a woman. The joy of having a child, knowing and sharing a new life. The joy of making a home...the center but not the limit of for the lives of those you love. The joy of exploring a third dimension...a world of your own, discovering and fulfilling your own capabilities.
Did I tell you these things as we went along the way? If I did I am humbly grateful. If I did not then you must choose them for yourself. If it has meaning accept it and make it your own. If it does not discard it. Your life is yours to build as you choose.
And did I tell you... I hope it will be a good life."
Even now, as I read these words (and there are more in the book), it brings tears to my tired (teething nights) eyes. What will I teach Amelia along the way??? Did I tell you... I hope it will be good.
"For all who have wondered... Did I tell you?
Did I tell you to love, not with a fairweather love, but with a love that accepts and cherishes unconditionally. Love not with a quick and passing love, but with a love that is a quiet peace within your heart.
Did I tell you to be thoughtful. Not to be a martyr or doormat to be trod upon, but to be aware of other people and their needs. To meet others with awareness and within your own framework be able to meet them halfway and on occasion go the other half joyfully.
Did I tell you to be bold. To be not afraid of the unknown, but to live life to the fullest and meet each new experience with joy and anticipation.
And did I tell you be cautious. To temper your daring and sense of adventure with good judgment and consideration.
Did I tell you to serve other people if only in a small way. There is growth and satisfaction in being part of something larger than yourself and your life will be richer for knowing this.
And did I tell you the joy and challenge of being a woman. The joy of having a child, knowing and sharing a new life. The joy of making a home...the center but not the limit of for the lives of those you love. The joy of exploring a third dimension...a world of your own, discovering and fulfilling your own capabilities.
Did I tell you these things as we went along the way? If I did I am humbly grateful. If I did not then you must choose them for yourself. If it has meaning accept it and make it your own. If it does not discard it. Your life is yours to build as you choose.
And did I tell you... I hope it will be a good life."
Even now, as I read these words (and there are more in the book), it brings tears to my tired (teething nights) eyes. What will I teach Amelia along the way??? Did I tell you... I hope it will be good.
Posts
