Twelve

Perri is 12 today. I remember 12 pretty well, mostly as being an age of feeling torn. Some days found me playing with the toys of my childhood and curling up on my Daddy's lap to watch television. Other days I might be experimenting with make-up and hairstyles and trying to walk in heels. My body at that age, awkward and gawky and somewhat clumsy, growing and changing seemingly overnight. There I was, quickly becoming a woman but still a child in so many ways.

And I am in no hurry for Perri to give up on childhood. It is such a fleeting thing anyway, gone before we know it and we really have no appreciation for it until we've grown up and realized that adulthood isn't all it's cracked up to be. This is the time when I wish Perri could hear what I'm saying and take it to heart. This is what I would have her truly understand if it were possible:

These are the best days of your life! Don't hurry through them, in a rush to grow up.

Take your time and savor the sweetness of childhood. Enjoy the responsibilities of a little bit of homework and a few chores around the house. All too soon those things will be replaced with the much weightier worries of adulthood.

Go ahead and play with the dolls you've stashed in the back of your closet. Break out the Barbies and the dress-up clothes. Have fun!

Be the best friend you can be. Love the people who are good to you. Take care of the friendships you are building now and hold them close to your heart. All too often they slip away and you will miss them later.

Don't be in a hurry. Look at those kids who are in such a rush to grow up and have the courage to do your own thing. Be confident in yourself and your sense of right and wrong.

Always know that whatever difficult stage you're growing through, each time I look at you I will see the bright, beautiful little girl who held my hand while crossing the street; fell asleep on my lap after begging to stay up late; spent hours making dandelion chain necklaces and crowns; gave me hugs and kisses just because.

And never ever forget that no matter where you are or what you do, I will always love you to the moon and back.