I was going through the thousands of songs in my itunes library and came across Steven Curtis Chapman's "Cinderella." Immediately my eyes filled with unrestrainable tears. I admit I hadn't previously paid much attention to the powerful emotion in the lyrics. At least they never tugged at my heart so emphatically. Although this song is from father's perspective of his daughter, I made it my own, imagining down the road, my Lincoln, all grown up. I closed my drippy eyes and imagined us dancing at a beautiful celebration of his marriage. My prayer is that I will sink in every moment leading up to that day, and each time he clings onto my leg, calling, "mama, up!" I'll stop, and scoop him up for a dance around the living room. That's exactly what I did at that moment, as the melody played. He giggling, me sobbing. It was, I'm sure, a confusing sight for Johnny who walked into the room at that moment. (However, seeing me erupt into tears these days are nothing out of the ordinary.)
There is an indescribable joy in my heart, along with a mild ache of watching him grow so rapidly. I have so much excitement for Lincoln (as well as for baby Boone who danced with us). Perhaps 18 months old is a tad soon to be thinking about his wedding, but as every mother has told me, childhood passes speedier than you realize. I assume that preparing myself will make me ever more appreciative of these moments when I can snuggle him tight, and with just a funny face, induce purely delightful giggles from my little man.
To whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing
The weight of the world on my shoulders
It's been a long day
And there's still work to do
She's pulling at me
Saying "Dad, I need you
There's a ball at the castle
And I've been invited
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"
(chorus) So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone...
She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"
(chorus)
She will be gone
Well, she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away
But I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"
(chorus)
