And Then I Blinked

I remember when you wouldn't leave my side.

I couldn't go anywhere without you tagging along.

If I left the house for the store you would run outside barefoot to make me stop and wait for you.

You used to make me play with you at the park instead of playing with the other kids.

But something was different about you last Friday.

You held my hand all the way up to the school doors. 

But once we went inside and you spotted your friends, you were no longer mine.

You belonged to them.  Your group of best friends.

You danced with them.

You laughed with them.

You whispered secrects in their ears.

You held hands with them.

You chased them around.

They made you laugh.

I sat on the sidelines staying out of your way.

Far enough for you to have your space but close enough to see you at all times.

I don't know when you grew up.  I supposed it was when I blinked.

It was time to leave.  I was a little sad that I didn't have as much fun with you as I thought I would.

But the most important thing was that you had fun.

But before we left our favorite song came on.

I blinked again. 

Then you grabbed my hand.

You asked me to dance.

I picked you up and you laughed, you smiled, you squealed, and you whispered to me.

The words you said made me remember that though you have grown up you are still my baby.

"Mommy, I saved the best dance for you because you are my best friend."

Ditto baby. Ditto.