Parenting
My Daughter: An Unexpected Soul Connection
by Emily Turner
Updated: Dec. 8, 2020
Originally Published: Sep. 19, 2010
Not too long ago, I can distinctly remember the moment I first laid eyes on my daughter. As I gently unwrapped the blanket enveloping her, I took in the sight of her tiny face, a moment I had envisioned for months. Here she was, nestled in my arms. I caressed her cheek, holding her close, and inhaling her sweet scent. As I peeled back the blanket to study her features, my hand found hers, allowing me to feel her miniature fingers for the very first time.
Who is this little one I’m cradling?
She felt both familiar and foreign all at once, leaving me breathless. My daughter was delicate and enchanting, and as she transitioned from infant to toddler, I recognized our stark differences. Her vibrant red curls contrasted sharply with my dark hair, and her fair skin and gentle features stood out against mine. I often pondered whether our personalities would mirror our differing appearances.
Those early days were filled with both wonder and challenges. She demonstrated a fierce will, with a temper that could ignite easily. At times, our connection was so profound it felt overwhelming; at others, I felt as if I were raising a stranger.
Who is this young girl I am nurturing?
As she developed her vocabulary, the questions began to emerge. Countless inquiries followed her first “Why?” I frequently found myself overwhelmed by her curiosity—frustrated by the timing of her questions, and amazed by their sheer number. Now at 9 years old, her inquiries come daily, sometimes trickling in, but often flooding forth. If a thought crosses her mind, it spills out of her mouth. With every question, I am learning more about this remarkable soul I am privileged to raise.
Who is this young lady who is now imparting wisdom to me?
Our differences have become even more pronounced. Our hair remains remarkably distinct, and she has blossomed into an extraordinarily beautiful and tall girl—I anticipate the day she surpasses me in height. We now share a shoe size, though thankfully our tastes in footwear diverge.
She outshines me intellectually at her age. An accomplished chess player, she has a thirst for history and an unquenchable love for books. Her curiosity knows no bounds, and her analytical nature is impressive.
Yet, as she matures, so do I.
I have come to realize how deeply entwined our souls are. I know her more intimately than I know myself. A mere glance reveals her mood, and I can sense when yet another question is on the verge of being asked—or when she’s holding back. I witness her kindness and thoughtfulness, as well as her stubbornness and desire for independence. She embodies assertiveness, intelligence, and wisdom far beyond her years.
My daughter is my soulmate.
This realization didn’t dawn on me overnight. There was no instantaneous epiphany at her birth. Instead, it has taken time to forge our connection. The ongoing dialogue between us has illuminated the essence of this little soul I cherish.
Recently, as she held my hand, I reached down to touch hers once more. The tiny fingers that once instinctively grasped mine have transformed into the hands of a young lady, now nearly the same size as mine.
Today, we share laughter as she tries on bras for the first time, and we crack up at each other’s dance moves. Our humor complements our occasional flare-ups of temper. She has already mastered the eye roll of disdain that many young girls reserve for their mothers.
Her questions persist. It was through these inquiries that I first felt an authentic bond forming with my daughter, a bond I now hold dear. She still approaches me with her curiosities, and she remains young enough to believe I possess all the answers.
Little does she know, she is the one teaching me.
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In summary, my relationship with my daughter has evolved from initial bewilderment to a profound understanding and connection. This journey has illuminated not only her essence but also my own growth as a parent.