Betcha didn't know that book reports make me cry

"Mom, could you read and help edit my English project before school?"

A short but frantic time later, all 3 kids were ready to go with a smidgen of time to spare. I sat here at this very computer to read the document she'd left up on the screen: a book report on Night by Elie Wiesel. My 15-year old daughter has a lovely, distinctive voice in writing, so I enjoyed reading her words about Wiesel's story, making notes and suggestions as I read.

On page 3, she wrote in an off-handed manner, "This knowledge did nothing for my worries though, until I talked with my parents." I stopped editing and went to the top of the paragraph to begin it again, this time paying more attention to the content. She was making a comparison/contrast with one of the characters to some aspect of her life. Now, mind you, she wasn't outlining 'healthy coping strategies' for a "Better Living and Lifestyles" class or something. No, she was simply noting that when she's under stress, her touch-point is talking to us, my husband and me.

I didn't mention it to her, just kept reading. Her intent was not to blow sunshine at me with those words, and it likely would've embarrassed her had I mentioned how her meaning touched me.

People of the internet? What I did not say to her, I'm saying to you: Her words were a shining little gift to me, that even in the thick of teendom she trusts that we are her staunchest allies. That means more to me than I could ever hope to articulate.