Explore

Words literally begin falling from her lips as we draw near to our spot. Recently coining
this place Talking Rock, I recalled how intuition had hinted at how this place might be perfect for opening the door to conversation.

Our daughter, always the embodiment of all things extroverted, has recently taken on an air of quiet secrecy. It has become rather unsettling, and altogether unnerving.

Well, keep in mind that, at the age of eleven, she has now entered into her years of middle
school. Is there really a need for me to say more?! Our daughter, who has forever embodied the
very definition of all things extroverted; she has quite recently taken on an air of quiet secrecy. It has become rather unsettling and altogether unnerving for me, her mom.

Honestly, it should come as no surprise. After all, she has recently endured a cross-country move, said good-bye to childhood friends, and is striving to establish herself in a new school. No wonder her buoyant personality has been challenged (to the max)! Where her once confident, sing-song, and sparkly personality would transform a room, there has now become a more timid and reticent persona. Entering this first year of middle school has led her to carefully choose her words instead of simply speaking what is on her mind.

So, it is little wonder how, after a bit of exploring, my heart filled with a sense of anticipation at
laying eyes on a large, granite boulder that jutted up from the ground. I knew I had found a perfect place to unwind, enjoy conversation, and listen to one another about life.

I am beyond grateful that I found this rock. My exploration has uncovered
a sacred place to share stories and laugh ourselves silly. Often while there, she will slip back into her sparkly personality, joyfully sharing her burdens, trials, and joy. Her spirit responds to the serene environment.

Then, without warning, she takes a break from all things tween by inviting me into a game of Hide-and-Seek. It makes my heart rejoice as we both hold onto childhood a wee bit longer.

The icing on the cake, though, arrives a few days later. Noticing how my eyes are leaking a bit, my daughter intuitively senses how difficult the day has been. She gently extends the most tender invitation in taking my hand and asking:

“Mom, shall we go to our Talking Rock? I think we could use some time out there today.”

What treasures we can find when we go out and explore. My heart is so very grateful for this place and this precious girl.