This weekend I read Matagorda. It is set in Texas and in addition to standard issue bullies and thugs, includes a hurricane to cause problems for our hero Tappan Duvarney as he tries to gather and drive a herd of cattle. Anyway, Tap loves Jessica Trescott, whose mother had passed away when she was young, so she had been raised by her father, Judge Trescott. I love what he says about his daughter:
"Judge Trescott had enjoyed the company of his daughter for longer than he had expected, and he had watched her grow and develop in personality and character. She was much like her mother, even more like himself, and she was somewhat like her grandmother on his side. But most of all, she was somebody new; she was herself."
I feel that way about my children...I enjoy their company, I have watched them grow and develop, I see family resemblances in their looks and their personalities, but mostly I see them as wonderful individuals in their own right. I am thankful for the blessing it is to be their mother and look forward to many years of happy associations with them!