“Hey Mom,” my daughter said.

“The next time you’re out, can you pick me up a pair of black tights?”

I looked at her and blinked.

“Uh, yeah, sure,” I stammered.

“Thanks Mom,” Emeria replied and bounced out of the kitchen to drive to school.

She had no idea what she had just stirred up.

No memory of the horror stories of trying to put on tights, socks, or jeans when she was a little girl. I remember so clearly…I would have to prepare for the battle…take a deep breath and wrangle a bucking bronco!

Oh, my goodness…the seam, her toes, itchy…too tight…too loose. Footless tights were a beautiful discovery in our house!

She would be screaming and crying, and I would be exhausted, and it was first thing in the morning! Talk about mom fail…I couldn’t even get tights on my little girl. She was a power house in a tiny package!

Then came shoes! Lord have mercy!

Sensory issues rocked her world and in turn, rocked mine. Life was so hard for Emeria. Things like wearing clothes…which we all do (hopefully!) drove her crazy! She would run around the house screaming that her clothes were too heavy. Poor child.

Eventually, we discovered she has celiac disease and that absolutely contributed to her sensory issues. Over time, she relearned how to react to discomfort. She learned to respond rather than explode. Now, as an 18-year-old woman, she wears tights. Miracle.

When was the last time I bought her tights?

We both learned so much during those difficult years. I’m reminded how quickly time passes. I had forgotten those tough times…they seem like yesterday and yet, so long ago. How is it that I am a mom to a grown daughter?

While I was going through those days, I never thought they would end. I am sure Emeria didn’t either. Now, here today, I wouldn’t trade those days for anything. They shaped me as a mother and helped me be more empathetic to other struggling moms with sensitive children.

I am thankful for the reminder…and even more thankful for my daughter ❤ #motherdaughter #sensitive #tights #allgrownup #timeflies #mybabygirl #love #thankful #blessed #empathy