A little while ago my daughter directed me to one of her favorite on- and offline passions.
Mommy, come see.
A writing contest.
I think you could win because you’re a really good writer.
It seems to me that I don’t hear that very often from a real live person, or a least not often enough.
Still, I let it slide a bit, because although my daughter is certainly wonderful, she’s not that kind of wonderful, not that kind of competitor, not that kind of hero, prodigy or star. And neither am I.
When the time came to write the essay, I had to keep it real.
When the time came to mention the honors, they told us she was quite real enough.
I hope you’ll read all about it. Georgia was happy enough with the essay, and her prize, but happier still with the cardboard kingdom it inspired one Sunday in the garage.
That’s my real girl. And this is the real-life lesson she keeps giving me: believe in yourself and each other just the way you are.
Mazel tov!
Comment by Jena Strong — April 21, 2008 @ 3:10 pm
OMG Karen! That is SO great! What a wonderful team you both make. Georgia looks like the kind of girl my daughter Jillian would LOVE.
Comment by Kristin H. — April 21, 2008 @ 3:11 pm
congratulations, now that’s a great award! I love the fact your daughter brought it to you.
I’d have loved to have seen a photo of the cardboard kingdom with boxes sawdust and all sounds perfect.
She’s one lucky kid.
x
Comment by Honey — April 21, 2008 @ 4:04 pm
Way to go, Mama! Gigi knew there was something special about you. She’s a perceptive one, that real girl of yours. Congrats!
Comment by Shawn — April 21, 2008 @ 5:38 pm
my heart is just bursting with love for Georgia and for you. So wonderful and amazing. Congrats Georgia!
I’m going to read and re-read this post until I’m completely out of this icky headspace I’ve been in for 48 hours- methinks it will be just the right antidote!
Comment by nyjlm — April 21, 2008 @ 6:29 pm
Hip, hip hooray! Congratulations to both of you – wonderful writing mama and spectacular creative daughter. :o)
Comment by Shalet — April 21, 2008 @ 6:58 pm
Yes!
Comment by Mama Zen — April 21, 2008 @ 7:16 pm
Your daughter sounds marvelous.
Comment by Shelli — April 21, 2008 @ 7:19 pm
i just adore her!!
Comment by Wendy — April 21, 2008 @ 7:36 pm
i love this so much. and i adore her photo, because she does look so authentic, and gorgeously real and human.
what an amazingly fine person you’ve brought into this world.
Comment by Holly Lash — April 22, 2008 @ 1:20 am
Wow, over 8,000 essays submitted. Congratulations to both of you!
Comment by Mary Ann — April 22, 2008 @ 1:51 am
That is wonderful~!
Comment by denise — April 22, 2008 @ 3:13 am
Yeah for you and Georgia. What a joy for you both and for all of us who get to read about a time when your daughter showed you not only her value and strength, but also your own. I hope you both enjoy that doll – and each other – for many years to come!
Comment by GailNHB — April 22, 2008 @ 2:42 pm
Oh, Georgia IS a star! What a beautiful heart she has. Enjoyed reading this post and the links.
Comment by Allison — April 22, 2008 @ 4:19 pm
You guys are great, you’re my heroes!
Comment by Mika — April 23, 2008 @ 1:08 am
wow – that is just awesome! congrats to the both of you.
Comment by Phyllis Sommer — April 23, 2008 @ 1:57 am