I have the house listed next door..
It's raining today.
Erin and I were putting on rain boots, going to show the house to someone we know.
We were laughing.. and then she said "you're my best friend!"
Instantly my mind went back in time... like a time warp scene on tv.
It's funny how she can say something so off the cuff and I can be very aware that my response may get trapped in her memory for decades to come...
IN THAT INSTANT -- I thought about how I had told my Mom that same thing on several different occasions.. I thought about her responses. Sometimes she wanted to be my Mom -- not necessarily my best friend...
I responded to Erin without giving away the entire thought process I'd just gone thru in my mind..
"You're gonna have lots of friends over the years" I said, "And I promise to always be here when you need me!"
And then I put my arm around her and we walked next door.
In addition to that tiny, non memorable sentence - what I meant was...
Erin, you are my daughter. God has charged me with your upbringing.
You are my life.
I am honored beyond belief that He entrusted you to me.
I breathe a sigh of relief every night when I know you're peacefully asleep.
I never want to spend a day without you.
I'm humbled that you would call me you're best friend ...and I hope you always will.
