My Daughter's Taking Me To Paris

Recently when my daughter stayed with my parents, I learned that it's not only about two-ice-cream-cones-before-bed, but that traveling destinations seem to arise in conversation. Apparently, there was a discussion about going to Paris, France. Umm, I'm in! But before getting ahead of myelf here, maybe I should break it down as to how this conversation came about.

Between my four year old daughter and her Gigi (my mother):

Mom reading Audriana a book...

Mom: See that picture on the wall? 

Audriana: Mmm hmm. What is that?

Mom: That's the Eiffel Tower.

Audriana: The fiffil tower? What is the fiffil tower?

Mom: It's in Paris, France.

Dad in the background... "Who wants to go to Paris, France?!"

Audriana: I wanna go to Paris, France!

Mom: Oh, no Paris is more for grown ups not children. (Nice, mom)

Audriana's eyes fill with tears, she lays her head down and sobs. 

Mom: .....what's wrong sweetie???

Audriana (still sobbing): I want to go to Pairs, France...... (sobbing continues)

Mom: Well, maybe Pop (my dad) will take you some day!!

Audriana (sniffling): .......ok.

This is where it was decided that I was partaking in this little Euro-trip. Oh, did I not mention that I actually invited myself? Ok, well I did. So this is how that went:

Audriana: Mommy! Pop's going to take me to Paris, France!

ME: I'm sorry, what?

Audriana: Pop is taking me to Paris, France!

Looking back a dad, he smiles with that expression "yea, that's what I told her" ....

ME: Well, Audriana let me tell you something ... (sternly pointing my finger) ... you can't fly all that way by yourself, so you tell your Pop that mommy has to come with you. Understand?

Audriana: Yes ma'am.

And that folks, is how I weaseled myself into this not yet dated trip to Paris, France. Although I have to credit my daughter for coordinating it all. The tears? Well played, my dear. Well played.

Happy Birthday, Mama!! ❤

Without getting too philosophical, it's true that we learn a great deal as we grow older. Learning to evaluate our needs vs. wants, and/or recognizing failures and learning from our mistakes. Most importantly, we learn to appreciate people. Although, it's good to appreciate the community around you, I'm talking more personal... like how to appreciate our parents. For some, that never seems to be acknowledged. I know that in these last 28 years of my life, I have found an appreciation for my parents I never truly understood until I became a mother myself. With that said, I want to take a short moment and wish my mama a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! :)

My mama and I have gone through all the trials and errors as a mother/daughter relationship could encounter; we're not perfect... who is? I admit my selfish acts as a teenager, and my even more outrageous behavior as what I considered an adult; but when I became a mother, I actually understood the reasons behind our disagreements. Our relationship grew closer as each year progressed, and we now have a bond that's very special to me. 

This woman has one of the biggest hearts I know. She sacrifices a lot for me, and my family and very, very, very rarely puts herself before anyone else. Should I even go into how she's the world's best grandmother? ... pardon me... world's best GiGi? ;) 

 

When it comes to this little girl, there is nothing that stands in her way. Her role as a grand--- GiGi, has been nothing short of perfection. Audriana comes first to her, and she ceases any opportunity to be there through every stage of her life. No words could possibly express my gratitude for all her love.

Happy Birthday, Mama!! 

Thank you for all you do. ❤❤❤