It is funny how you can look back and wonder where time went. How did she get so big and move out of the house so soon? Not long ago, as I was doing a little "bird watching", I was reminded how it felt when Brooke left home (see my Empty Nest photo essay). The nest was, indeed, very empty without her in it.
I think back to our life together, when she lived at home. I remember the beach trips, the sitting around watching movies and eating popcorn, the tears of sorrow when something was wrong, the laughter filling the house. I remember the milestones....first day of daycare, first day of school, first date, and first car. But most of all, I remember how she was always there. Through it all, it was Brooke and I....the good times and bad.
Brooke rarely complained. I was a single parent and could not provide many "extras" for her. The most important thing to me was to provide a roof, shelter, and food....not to mention plenty of love and happiness. We realized early that material possessions were not a top priority.
Of course, we had our ups and downs. There were times when I wondered WHAT (if anything) was going through her mind. I'm sure she wondered the same about me. There were times when discipline was necessary. There were times when I wondered if we were going to survive (especially the teen-age years).
I am thankful for those memories. I am thankful for the little girl that has grown into a beautiful young woman. I am thankful for the gift of having a daughter. I am thankful for the little girl I once held in my arms having twin daughters of her own.
For the memories, being my daughter, and teaching me love, Brooke....HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I love you, baby.
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Comments: 53 ( 1 removed by Renda B~surviving the storm by dancing in the rain. )
Thanks.
Happy birthday, Brooke!
Renda, I suppose you know that your granddaughters are adorable.
Thank you so much.
Cassandra,
Thanks for coming by. Brooke and the twins are my heart :)
Wilma,
Of course I know that ;) Thank you so much for coming by here.
Great Article, Renda! How in the world did time get by us so fast! Brooke is blessed to have you for a mom! She has grown up to be a beautiful woman full of passion, love and dedication! The twins are precious also. Thanks for sharing her with us!
Thank you for your comment & the blessings. Hope you have a great day tomorrow and a safe and happy weekend!
Thank you. Brooke was a good child (usually). She wasn't into a lot of the things other children find themselves in (ie hard drugs, etc). I'm very thankful for her. It wasn't always easy, but we managed and I think we are better for it.
Thanks! I don't know where the time went. Somehow, it is managing to get away from us. I find myself being nostalgic more often these days :)
Brooke is beautiful, passionate, and full of life. I'm very proud of her. She's a good mom too. She has a precious gift (the twins) and she's provided me with so much love. You don't have to thank me for sharing her :) I am glad you and Tommy are a part of our lives.
Hugs to you. Give Desmond, Ryan, Tommy, & Boss a hug and kiss for me. I love you guys.
Papa and Granny
You made me cry. Thank you. I'm always trying to be like you. Always. I do things with the girls that I remember doing with you, and I try to teach them similar to the way you taught me. I enjoyed my childhood so much, sometimes I wish I could go back. Your a wonderful mom, and now more than ever I realize the love you have for me because of my own girls. I know sometimes were rough, but we made it through them and the only reason I did was because of you.
I love you so much, and can't wait to see you.
Love,
brooke
Lovely photos, great memories and beautiful kids.I can see brooke's comment just above me.You're such a great person Renda, see the example of your teachings are visible.Good job .HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Thanks so much for posting this to my All Photo Essays Here group!
Very apt to be reminded on the day Special !!!
Happy Celebrations of the Twin-tuned rocking Great Day !!!
wishing a Happy Birthday to Brooke too...........
Rae, I'm sorry about the watery eyes ;) Mine get that way too sometimes. Thanks for stopping by.
I love you guys too. I'm thankful for the family we have. AND for you and dad being role models for us. If it weren't for you two and Mom & Ken, we wouldn't be here. I miss you guys.
I'm so proud of you. You are a wonderful mother and you make me very happy. I am glad you think back on your childhood as good...we all wish we could go back to those days sometimes, especially when the burdens of life become heavy.
The love you have for Jenna & Jaden will not diminish. You may not like what they do sometimes, but you will always love them :)
No matter how old you get, you will always be my little angel. I love you.
Thank you for your kind words. Sometimes I wondered if I was doing things right, but it all worked out in the end. Brooke is a loving and giving person (something I haven't always been) and I am thankful for the person she has come to be.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
You used the perfect word for children growing up and leaving home...bittersweet. When it is time for your children to do it, remember you will make it through it :) Thanks for coming by.
Thank you both for your kind words, birthday wishes, and taking the time to come by here.
I am honored for the feature. Thank you!
I'm glad you enjoyed this. Thank you so much for coming by.
You hit the nail on the head! There are times when I have no problem expressing my feelings....and others (like this one) when it is one of the most difficult things to do. Thanks so much for stopping in.
how very special is this circle of life... God bless you all...
Happy Birthday to Brooke...
Thank you so much. I truly was blessed :)
Necee,
Thank you for the compliment & birthday wishes. The circle of life is, indeed, special.
Hope you both have a wonderful and safe weekend.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BROOKE
Blessings ~
Your Friend,
Rene
This is a beautiful tribute to Brooke on her birthday. I can't think of a better birthday present. It made me and your Mom teary eyed. Your Mom and I where on a weekend camping trip at Cape San Blas when Brooke was born. No cell phones back then, not for us anyway, didn't have one until into the 21st century. When we got home that Sunday night, late, we had a message on the answering machine from someone (don' remember who) about Brookes birth. We took off for the hospital in Cairo like a bat out of hadies. Got stoped by the law. I told them where we were headed, I just didn't tell them we where a day late. It was around 10:00 p.m. when we got to the hospital. Visitng hours were over but somehow we got in. Brooke was in the nursery and we only got to see her through the window. She was so beautiul. Had to wait until the next day to hold her. She was so tiny and precious.
Your Mom and I have a lot of wonderful memories of her growning up. Camping trips at the beach, trips to the mountains and just visiting at our home. I remember one visit at our home in Pelham the 2nd time we lived there. Brooke, Jeremy and Kacey where there. The three of them where given the dreaded job of picking up pinecones. I gave them their buckets and told them they would get paid $2.00 each. After a short time the three of them came to me with very few pinecones in their buckets. Brooke was the spokes person. She said, "Papa, we need to talk about our pay. We don't think $2.00 is enough." Brooke was 7 or 8. When I asked how much she thought they should be paid she said, "$20.00". I can't remember if the $20.00 was to be split or if that was for each of them. I do remember later that night explaining to her about negotiateing. From then on for a long time we would negotiate something when we saw each other. Another time that really stands out is when me and your Mom came to Tenn. to bring you and Brooke home. Your Mom and I went to the school to pick Brooke up. She didn't know we where coming. When her teacher brougt her to us, her expression of happiness to see us was unbelievable.
I could go on and on with all the wonderful memories. It is also wonderful to know that Brooke has so many fond memories of you raising her. As a parent that alone makes it all worth it.
Thank You Renda, for giving us a wonderful granddaughter.
We Love You Both!!! & HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROOKE!!!!
Mom & Ken
Children have a way of teaching us without even knowing it, don't they? Heck, sometimes we don't even know it at the time :) Thank you for your compliment(s). I truly am blessed.
I don't think people that have never had children or have not had their children leave home yet, can completely understand. It's one of those things you have to experience. Thanks for the birthday wishes.
Thank you taking the time to stop by here :)
Thank you both. As I was writing this, I had to stop a couple of times and "pull myself together". I am, indeed, blessed and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't remember that.
Thanks, again, for stopping by and commenting.
Thank you so much for the birthday wishes and the compliment. It wasn't always easy, but Brooke and I did what we had to do.
Now, you two have made ME teary eyed. What's that all about? I had forgotten about Brooke negotiating pay for picking up pine cones...hehehe. If I remember correctly, they wanted $20 per bucket. That's hilarious. I wonder how many children gets outside and picks up pine cones now.
Brooke always had a good time with you guys. The beach trips were the best! Those were the days, weren't they? Remember when she got stuck under that huge round raft....came up fighting mad? :)
As for you two getting her from school that day, I know she was glad to see you! I was glad you picked her up.
Big, big memories. I'm going to have to print this all out for her so she can keep the comments and the article.
You two are wonderful parents to me and wonderful grandparents to Brooke. I love you both very much. Hugs and kisses.
blessings to you and your family.
xo
Thank you so much for your kind words and compliments! I appreciate you taking the time to read this :)
Thank you, as well, for taking the time to read this and comment.
Thank you very much! I can not compare the differences between raising a son and daughter, since I only had one. But when I hear people talk about it, some say girls are harder to raise and others say boys are. It is good you have both a son and daughter and are able to experience both :)
Raising Brooke was fun and interesting. What made it better is we weren't only mother and daughter....but we were (and still are) friends. That makes a HUGE difference.
Thank you so much for coming by here. That beach pic is one of my favorites.