Me, age 6.
One of the tunes I chose to share at my daughter’s first rite of passage was a real tear-jerker. I didn’t choose it for that reason. It was a song recorded by Nanci Griffith that happened to pluck at my heartstrings just at that moment, resonating with the internal music of my daughter’s coming of age. The song was “Turn Around” and I’ve included the lyrics further below.
Sometimes you need to make room for the rite of passage (your own) within the rite of passage (your child’s). Don’t negate your own feelings during this time of change. Honor them as well. As your daughter, or son, is crossing a threshold, so are you. Your shining bridge is a parallel one to theirs- equally important, equally paved with bitter and sweet. Take the time to take the time. Savor the flavors of this journey for yourself. “Turn around” for just a moment.
“Turn Around”- composed by Harry Belafonte, Alan Greene and Malvina Reynolds
Where are you goin’ my little one, little one? Where are you goin’ my baby, my own?
Turn around and you’re two
Turn around and you’re four
Turn around and you’re a young girl going out of the door
Turn around, turn around, turn around and you’re a young girl going out of the door
Where are you goin’ my little one, little one? Little dirndles and petticoats, where have you gone?
Turn around and you’re tiny
Turn around and you’re grown
Turn around and you’re a young wife with babes of your own . . .
Kind of old fashioned lyrics, I know, but it spoke to some ancient mothering place inside of me . . . perhaps to you as well.
Me, reflecting, age 47.
Shining Bridges 
This is so, so beautiful. (That song is a weep-fest, waiting to happen.) I LOVE these bookend photos of you.
Thank you so much, friend. The encouragement is much needed and appreciated tonight. I’m glad you like the photos. So funny how we are who we are even at our tiniest!
Growing up with 3 sisters, your posts made me reflect on how I would have felt at Ginny’s age if our mum had celebrated our journey to adulthood in a similar way. I think I would have been mortified at the time, but now I can see what warm memories Ginny will have and how this will bring her closer to all of those special women. I am now creating memories at a different stage of my life, and it is never too late to follow your dream. Mary
http://magicspello.wordpress.com/
Thanks, Mary. You are so right! It is never too late to create adventures, memories, or threshold crossings that are beautiful and meaningful to us. I’m so glad you’re taking the time to do that for yourself now. May we all do the same! Warmly, Gina