Valentines Day is a special day for me, it holds a special place in my heart.
And this year is extra special. Twenty years ago today I found out I was having a baby! It was a day of mixed emotions as I was on my own, a million miles away from family and friends, in Darwin.
I was scared, lonely, shocked but also incredibly happy! From that first moment I knew something amazing was going to happen, a new and beautiful part of my life was unfolding.
8 months later I gave birth to my darling Charlotte Rose, and what a happy day that was. We were our own little family and together we faced the world. It was such a precious time for me, and those years on our own, before our family grew, were filled with so much love, fun and happiness. I'm sure the reason the Charlotte and I are so close today comes from those happy days.
Fast forward to 2012 and I am the proud mum of a nineteen year old. And I couldn't be prouder! Charlotte has helped me so much lately, getting my new blog look happening, handling all my annoying IT questions, generously giving me a hand so kindly. I think she's done an amazing job, thanks so much Charlotte!
Char has also had some challenges recently and has met them head on in such a positive way.
I'm so proud of you Char.
When Charlotte started school I was a young mum and I remember looking at some of the other mums and thinking, wow, you're really old! Funny as now I'm one of the older mums, watching as the younger ones start the whole cycle of primary school. And the lovely thing for me is I get to enjoy a full spectrum of ages, from 6 - 19. I'm so looking forward to hanging out with Charlotte on Friday night over dinner, and then at Jess's exhibition opening.How fun to have an older daughter to go out with, it's a beautiful thing.
Anyway, as you can see Valentine's Day is special for me. It reminds me of that gift children are, of the life changing moment I had twenty years ago, of resilience, of the fun times, the hard times, the laughs and the ongoing love I have for my eldest child.
Happy Valentines Day Charlotte, love you xo
