You know when you need a remnder that what you are doing means something? Today’s guest post comes from Andrea, who I met for the first time in person during the Type-A Parent conference. Her comments to me about Just.Be.Enough. made me a)love her for life and b) realize that sometimes we just have no idea the impact that even the smallest of things can have on someone else. So I am thrilled that Andrea is here today sharing her voice, her story.
Andrea blogs regularly over at Good Girl Gone Redneck about life, motherhood and what it’s like to be a native New Yorker living in NC. She misses pizza and bagels but enjoys a sweet tea and a plate of hush puppies like the rest of the South!
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I am 5 feet, 2 inches tall. Sometimes the nurse tells me to add an extra half-inch. For some reason I hold onto that for dear life.
It’s not much, but when married to someone who is 6 feet tall it represents something.
I am not quite sure what, but it’s definitely something.
When I hold my daughter in my arms, I realize that it won’t be long before I am looking UP at her.
She is five years old. She is beautiful. She is going to be tall. Taller than I am, no doubt.
Right now she falls beneath my arm. Fits right in, as though it were a crevasse made just for her. How much longer before she can’t squeeze in there anymore?
Growing up my brother used to joke about stretching my legs. How I wished that were possible. A few extra inches in the right places might thin me out. Make me fit better. Height might strengthen me in all the right ways.
All those thoughts. Wishes. Wondering. Was it a waste of time? Perhaps. It was who I was. Then.
I didn’t need those 4-inch heels when I walked to work from the bus stop nearly 20 blocks away.
I didn’t HAVE to wear fancy shoes – even on my wedding day.
I don’t wear wedges anymore. They’re cute. They’re trendy. I certainly like how they look.
But they aren’t comfortable. They aren’t me. That’s not who I am.
A few extra inches will not help me grow.
My heart and mind have grown enough to represent who I am.
All of me.
Loving wife. Mother. Daughter. Sister. Friend.
Woman.
All of me.
Standing tall at 5′, 2 1/2″ (give or take) inches.
It’s all good. It’s enough.
It’s who I am.
Hey! You’re three (and a half?) inches taller than I am
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I had a particularly rough awakening on the first day of school last year when I couldn’t kiss the top of my fourth grade son’s head without standing on my toes. Now I can’t do it without standing on a chair!
Victoria KP recently posted..Just Between Me and Me
I’m somewhere between 5’0″ 5’1″, so I get this. But I still wear wedges and heels and shoes with height, not because I dislike being short but because I love heels
I always wanted another few inches, but I’ve know it wasn’t going to happen forever. My mom’s side of the family is so short!
angela recently posted..Making Things Happen
Andrea, I love this. I’m 5′ 1/2″, so my driver’s license says 5′ 2″. I also married a very tall guy. My husband is a full foot taller than I am. I do not wear heels anymore except on special occasions. I am comfortable in my shortness.
Jenny recently posted..Split personality
I can completely related to this, I’m 5′ tall on a good day and my hubs is 6′. I’ve stopped wishing I was taller years ago my height is just part of who I am but I do still love a good pair of heels.
Julia recently posted..#SundayFunday
Yes, you are wonderful exactly the way you’re made.
Im so glad you posted about this! *HUG*
My oldest daughter seems to be on the trajectory to be the shortest of her sisters. She bought a shirt recently that said “Im not short. Im fun sized” and it made me giggle.
frelle recently posted..Caera’s Visit
Thanks, everyone … For the comments and support.
I honestly kind of like being short, despite every now and then wishing for a few extra inches!
This post was empowering to write and share, and I thank the JBE ladies for allowing me to do so here!
Andrea recently posted..From My Archives: The Challenge of Blogging
I love this Andrea!! Mostly because I totally relate to it! I am 5’1″ (and a half on my best days!), and I used to ache to be taller. Even when my parents were doing the whole “good things come in small packages” routine, I still just wanted to be taller. I have learned to let it go, though!
thedoseofreality recently posted..The Reality Of Yes Day
Im 5’1 and I know what you mean, I’m over the heels and happy being me!
Love this post!
Patty recently posted..Thoughts on Gratitude
Ditto. Growing is more than the height of your shoes, I’m five foot two and three quarters, I made the last inch in my mid twenties. I wear flats, they’re more comfortable, even on my wedding day. I think most people would reckon on my character being bigger than my height.
idiosyncratic eye recently posted..Braving the Dragon