Original publish date: April 7, 2011
It figures—after being so frustrated with my daughter and what she DOESN’T do, she goes and DOES something lovely that makes me forget all about it. She has the gift of a close, warm relationship with her grandmother, my mother, and she fully appreciates it—and yesterday , she showed it in all its glory. My mother, a passionate movie lover, invited me to see one of the film festival films with her. I begged off because I was just too tired, so I suggested she call my daughter on the off-chance that she would actually be interested. When I got home from work, I was pleasantly surprised to find my daughter singing in the shower, getting dressed for a night out with her nana. She was excited about it and in a great mood.
After the movie, she told me that not only did they love the movie and hanging out, but that they were attending another one the next night. She loved that the film was independent and intelligent, describing it as “dark humor.” Um, that’s a pretty high-level sentiment for a 17-year-old. My mother is over that moon at having a movie buddy, especially one she adores. She has always said that her granddaughter is intellectually gifted, and this is my mother’s chance to help my daughter develop that intellect with new experiences, analysis, and thoughtful discussion.
So the fact that her room was a mess and she walked right past the garbage that was waiting by the front door this morning didn’t anger me. I almost laughed when I saw it because, in my mind, she is on a pedestal for engaging her mind, extending love and companionship to her grandmother, and being responsible and valuable at work. At this moment, she can do no wrong. I’m not in denial, just very pleased. I would like to float on this cloud all day—think of the possibilities! Next she might be reading thought-provoking books, or asking to go to the science museum with me, or following politics and current events!!
Today I feel like a good mother with two exceptionally wonderful, brilliant daughters.