Mothers and daughters

Little things often seem to mark the turning points of our lives.

When my daughter came to me and said she was having trouble reading, because the letters were getting blurry I realized that at 44 she probably was starting to feel the effects of age. I explained that many people began to need glasses around her age.

I encouraged to her make an appointment with my eye doctor and then I took her to buy reading glasses.

Tonight it just occurred to me that this is one of the first times we have connected in this way. In the past I have felt an edge of irritation when she complained of some problem or difficulty. 

Then it occurred to me that maybe it isn't always necessary to have a role model for everything.

My mother didn't like weakness of any sort and she was not sympathetic when I felt bad. She often made me feel guilty for being sick, or less than perfect.

 But my mother died before I was my daughter's age, so I have no role models for the rest of our experiences together. It was nice to feel loving and helpful this time and I hope our relationship continues on in this direction.