Fourteen Years Ago

     Fourteen years ago, I didn't know who the Wiggles were.  I was clueless about the Doodlebops.  I knew which Disney princess was which, but I didn't have their stories committed to memory.  I never sat down to watch an episode of Wild Kratts.  I never thought that I would watch a show called Little Einsteins.  As a matter of fact, fourteen years ago, there were channels on tv that I would have never turned on.

     Fourteen years ago, the color pink wasn't featured predominantly in my house.  I didn't have Barbies (and Barbie movies), American Girl dolls, and Precious Moments figurines all over the place.  I didn't have every ingredient on hand to make slime.  I didn't have arts and craft supplies ready at a moments notice.  I didn't panic if a certain bear wasn't found at bedtime.

     Fourteen years ago, I didn't know about marching band and color guard.  I didn't know about horse riding and swim lessons.  I didn't know about 4H projects, fair entries, and all the work that it takes to get from an idea to a blue ribbon project.  I didn't know about hand chime choirs, National History Day competitions, robotics meets, and poetry readings.

     Fourteen years ago, I didn't know about sleepovers, movie marathons, and shopping with teenagers.  I didn't know how much girls can giggle and eat.  I didn't know what kind of mess that gets left behind after a sleepover.  I didn't know how loud a music practice room can be when everyone is practicing a different song.  I didn't know about working concessions stands and bonding with people over nachos with cheese.

     Fourteen years ago, I didn't have any idea how much my life would be changing.  I didn't know that I would be able to clean up vomit without getting sick myself.  I didn't know that someone else's pain would make me cry.  I didn't know that my mom's words would be coming out of my mouth.  I didn't know that my heart could hold so much love.

     Fourteen years ago it all changed.  And I wouldn't have it any other way.