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heartstrings

I often forget about those emotions and feelings that are hid deep, the ones you didn't even know were so tender until something happens and you instantly feel a tug on your heartstrings that make you weep that very instant.
This happens to me... a lot.

If you know Elsie or have followed my blog for awhile you know she is shy. Well, shy isn't the right word. She is very reserved towards other people and only opens up to those she is comfortable with. There was a good year or so she'd cry if you would even talk to her, she still does that sometimes.

I couldn't relate. I have always been outgoing, so in the past it made me sad that she has this fear about people or is just so uncertain about everyone. It used to make me feel as if I wasn't making her feel safe or that I was doing something wrong but have learned over her three short years, it's just who she is. She is shy, and those she gets to know and the ones she loves, she loves so fiercely it makes my heart bursts at the seams. 

This morning Elsie helped me decorate the house for a belated birthday celebration for our friends. I felt like having lots of treats so I made it a semi-tea party which was only an excuse to have everyone dress up.(that just means the littles were all in tutus and the mamas in dresses) 

Once everything was set up and Elsie had her tutu and wings on I finished getting ready while the babes played in the sunroom. When I walked out I found Elsie at the front window...
"What are you doing sweet girl" I asked.
"I'm waiting for my friends mama, I'm so excited to see them."

my heartstrings were tugged and I walked away with tears streaming down my face as I searched for the camera.
This may seem so small to many of you but for me this was something that I have been praying over for years.
Countless playdates canceled, cut short or just not fun because Elsie didn't do well. Years of getting her to "enjoy" going to church because she was terrified going into her class, which ultimately left us sitting in overflow with a toddler.
So many awkward moments with other moms when they would say things like "maybe you should get her out more or sign her up for  an activity outside of the home" when I knew that "getting her out more" wasn't an issue, nor was anything even wrong with her. We knew it was who she was, her sweet tender-hearted spirit didn't need to be forced or trained into something and that it was okay and prayerfully one day she might actually want to play with friends her age. 
Then today, oh what a wonderful day to watch her squeal when she heard her friends coming up the driveway and how she ran and hid, only to have them find her so she could jump out and yell "SURPRISE"
She was so excited to play that she ran into her room and grabbed a Minnie Mouse for her and one for her little friend to play with. 
I was just soaking it all in. I love watching her blossom into the little lady that she is becoming.

Though she wanted to work on her puzzles alone and do her own thing for a portion of the day , the fact that she stayed in the same room to play instead of hermit crab her way into her room where she would normally read quietly by herself, I'd say we have made progress and definitely made this a day for me to cherish. 

Now as I have time to sit and write and reflect, I can't help but get choked up looking at these pictures of my tiny dancer staring out the window waiting for her friends.
She is just so precious, and has no idea how much she blessed her mama today.

12 comments:

Lora said...

those photos are just beautiful! i love how the light is pouring through the windows and onto her wings.. gorgeous! :)

Unknown said...

In tears reading this. Rhiannon is the same way, as you know. Elsie's little heart and love for my girl melts my heart. You are doing an amazing job at raising a sweet and loving little lady!

vintage grey said...

Such a beautiful moment that God definitely blessed you with! It definitely filled my heart with joy for her, and you. Such a precious little girl you have!! xo Heather

The Ward Family said...

Got choked up myself because my Jocie is the exact same way! She used to cry when people would come to our house and she knew them. I'd have to hold her when we would go to my parents house, she knows them very well. She has grown though, small baby steps. I watch her everyday from behind the wall. She runs around the grass looking for a friend to play with. Makes me cry every time. Elsie has such a kind heart. Aren't we lucky :)

Carly said...

Aw, this makes me so happy! As a teacher, I always have a soft spot for the shy ones.....they usually have something very special to say to the world and the biggest hearts!

Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com

Morgan@the smores said...

so so so sweet <3

Krystal Celeste said...

Such a sweet blog! Your daughter reminds me so much of how I was as a kid, it's like a mirror into my childhood. And people would give my mom advice too to get me out more and that just never worked. But the more that people around me just let me be myself the more I was able to break out of my shell. Your girl seems just fine and is so adorable, by the way! :)

Unknown said...

She's such a gorgeous girl! I myself was incredibly shy as a child and hated being forced into social situation. Even when friends would come over my mom would have to remind me to play with them and put my book down. I was shy until junior high, but I opened up slowly and never had a problem in school. She'll be just fine, and it's wonderful how supportive you are! Just like my sweet mom :) She'll always be blessed to know how much you love and adore her.

Unknown said...

What a wise and sweet Mama you are, to know, love, and accept your daughters needs. What a beautiful story to share. Thank you

Hayley said...

That made my heart smile!!

Hayley
hayleysworld.com

Michelle said...

Elsie looks so precious! I just want you to know that I was Elsie as a kid, through and through. My mom is the most outgoing person you've ever met and I was polar opposite. I'd also cry when too many people were around. People made a lot of comments to my mom as well. I know you know this, but I want to encourage you and let you know she'll be just fine. It will get easier the older she gets. She may always be shy, but God will work through her and made her this way for a reason! She will do great things, and you're doing a great job with her :)

Monica said...

This is so so beautiful! Now following you. Sending my best - Monica