To Summer- Teenage Laundry

Summer
I have not seen your bed look this clean in months.
Where are all those clean clothes that you pile at the end of the bed?
The clothes that seem to have forgotten the closet and drawers since 7th grade started.
You know, the ones that keep your feet so warm at night that you have to sleep with your ceiling fan.
Where are they?
Oh yeah!
You did your own laundry today and actually put all of your clothes away. In your closet and drawers.
Can I tell you how much you made my day?!

I never thought I could get so excited about having to do only 3 loads of laundry, instead of 4.
And then I never thought I could get so emotional doing laundry.
Because as I was doing the other kids laundry, I thought about you.
I thought about what an amazing kid you are.
I thought about all the times I looked at that heap of clothes on your bed and wanted to get frusterated because things were out of order, but then I would smile and say a prayer of thanks because you are so full of goodness and if a heap of clothes on your bed is my only complaint about my 12 year old, then I am one lucky parent.

Your heap of clothes is a sign of your independence.
Your own way of doing things, instead of mom's way.
You are growing up so fast.
I like the girl you are and the young woman you are becoming.
I've always liked you.
I've always loved you. And always will.
You are a young women now, next thing  you know you will be a woman, and then a mom,who will be doing your own children's laundry.
I know. I know.  Slow down.
Enjoy the present because its a gift.

I really like the present.
I really like you doing your own laundry.
I can tell you do too. (Hopefully it stays that way.)
So many thoughts because of a clean bed and a missing pile of laundry.