daughter

The day my daughter was born I became a grown up. When I held her on my belly I understood:
This is no longer just about me.
That was my first grown up thought.
And so I became someone's role model, I had to know how to solve problems, distinguish between good and bad, be someone to turn to in times of need, worry about sore throats, fevers, maths homework, be reliable.
I also learnt that I will not be young forever. I had moved up into the parent ranks, suddenly there was another generation after me. With my efforts I could make my daughter's life on this planet worth living.
It was a joy to watch her grow up and one day she left.
That's when I understood: She can make it without me.

And then I really grew up.