May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.

With all the turmoil and sickness plaguing us these last few weeks, I want to take a moment to celebrate my daughters’ January birthdays.

If we were having coffee today, I would invite you in for a hot beverage of your choice (coffee’s ready!) and perhaps some virtual birthday cake.

Today is my oldest daughter’s 32nd birthday. My younger daughter turned 29 on the 21st. They spent many of their childhood and teen birthdays with just me, when I was a single mom raising them with little financial help.

There is something about our children’s birthdays that incites reflection.

Two years ago I wrote a reflective piece when my oldest turned 30, a milestone birthday for the both of us. Here is that post, Where are You Going, My Little Ones.

Through the grace of God, some luck and sheer grit, I raised these incredible women to be strong and independent. Perhaps you can see this in the photo of them fist-bumping after walking me down the aisle after my second wedding in 2013.

Daughters celebrating after marrying off their mom!

My oldest (pictured on the right) is an Aerospace Engineer living in the San Francisco Bay area and has happily worked for the same defense contractor since 2007. She put herself through 4 years at UCLA, graduating with honors, then receiving her master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering. She lives with her boyfriend and two cats and does not plan to have children.

My youngest (on the left), after a long, stressful educational journey, where she was academically expelled from university, ultimately clawed her way back in and graduated with her bachelor of science degree in Recreation Therapy. One year ago, she sat for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist exam and passed on her first try.

She chose to move away from her friends to a town on the California Central Coast and now works for a State Hospital as a Recreation Therapist. She shares her first apartment with her dog and a fellow co-worker. She is not dating at the moment, but hopes to have children someday.

We cannot succeed when half of us are held back.Both daughters make more money at their young ages than I ever made at the height of my career.

And I am damn proud.

I want them to live their lives in a world where choices matter and living the strength of their convictions takes no effort.

My oldest daughter was severely affected by the outcome of the US elections. I sat helpless as she sobbed over the phone in her disappointment. Not to be stopped, she recently took part in the women’s march in San Francisco.

But even with all this recent turmoil, I am still a mother.

If you have children, enjoy them at every age. I am blessed to be a mom of these lovely, talented young women. Enjoy this lovely version of the song, Turn Around. Here is a sample of the lyrics:

“Where Are You Going (Turn Around)”

Where are you going, my little one, little one,
Where are you going, my baby, my own?
Turn around and you’re two,
Turn around and you’re four,
Turn around and you’re a young girl going out of my door.

Notes: by Harry Belafonte, Malvina Reynolds and Alan Greene. Published by Clara Music Publishing Corporation (ASCAP). Administered by Next Decade Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

I am also linking this song to Hugh’s Views & News 51 Weeks: 51 Songs from the Past.

Winter Weekend Coffee SharePlease join the coffee clatch at Part-Time Monster’s Weekend Coffee Share

 

 

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Published by Terri Webster Schrandt

Now retired, I am former university adjunct faculty, self-published author, and retired recreation and parks practitioner living in Eastern Washington State near the Idaho border. Second Wind Leisure Perspectives is my blog about living a leisure lifestyle that includes fitness, photography, and fun.

72 thoughts on “Where are You Going? Here’s to Strong Women”

  7. This was lovely to read. You have two fabulous daughters to be proud of. They are about the same ages as my three (2 girls and a boy). I’m sure they will continue to bring you much joy and happiness in the future. Do you have grandchildren?

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  8. Great information about ylur daughters and Happy Birthday To them, may they hsve many more.
    I was shocked by what happened yesterday. I am praying for the World, especially those who were effected by the action.

    Liked by 1 person

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  14. Dear Terri, on your daughter’s birthday, I am congratulating you for bringing her, as well as your other daughters, up to be the human beings you are justifiably proud of. Best wishes and many blessings for your daughter, and for your entire family!

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  16. A beautiful celebratory post to your daughters, Terri! 😀 They both look stunning and in the first photograph I thought there were three daughters before reading on…you look so alike and share the same spirit for life. A belated Happy Birthday to them both! No wonder you are so proud, such wonderful warm people and successful careers and life..inspiring to read this post this morning.

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  18. What a beautiful pair of daughters you have. It is crazy to have to guide them through these troubled times, but i am sure they are grateful for your support. We need every strong woman right now. Thanks for the coffee.

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  20. Pingback: 51 Weeks: 51 Songs From The Past: Week 5: Hazell Dean – Who’s Leaving Who – Hugh's Views & News

  21. Thank you for linking up to my music feature, Terri. A beautifully written post that speaks from the heart. And I’m sure they are just as proud for having you as their mum. Three incredible ladies who everyone should take inspiration from.

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  23. Pingback: Smorgasbord Blogger Daily – 31st January 2017 – Dragons, Strong Women, Peace, Favourite Things and a Review | Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life

  26. Wow Terri. What a beautiful post and tribute to your daughters. You’re such a wonderful mom and I think they know that well. You have every right to beam with pride. And, oh, I loved that song, it brought back memories from decades ago, I remember it well. ❤

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  27. Such a beautiful post, Terri. I admit to being brought to tears when the Kingston Trio began singing. Your daughters are gorgeous; I see such bright light around them – the same light I see around you. I’m so touched by your heartfelt tribute to women. Thank you for sharing your strength and joy 💕

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  33. This just warms my heart. So great to get to know your beautiful daughters. I am only at the beginning of this journey as mine are still tots. I dream of the days I can write this post, but at the same time I savor these precious early moments as they develop their very unique personalities. 🙂

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  37. Congratulations on these beautiful daughters, Terri. Such a sweet post celebrating who they have become and I suspect you had more to do with how they turned out than you will admit. So true to enjoy every phase of their lives. I’ve found it so true in my own motherhood adventure.

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