Carrie and Ponytails

Last night Bella asked to put my hair in a ponytail while we were playing in her room. I hesitated and then agreed. I hesitated because I remember the days of getting my hair done by my mom as a child and getting wacked in the head with the bristles of a hair brush when I squirmed away. "Beauty suffers" she would say and I responded "I don't want to be beautiful!" Maybe now I know where my children get their stubborn streak! Bella didn't have a brush so I let her.

I had NO idea what was going on behind my head but I did feel my head get yanked a time or two. I sat quietly and she handed me a ponytail holder "Hold this mom". "Ok I'm ready" she said as I handed her the holder. She finished and just like that, my hair was in a ponytail. "Look in the mirror!" She squealed. Just like that my hair was in a ponytail. I took a photo that I'll post later. She did a great job! I'm so proud of her. I never once questioned her ability to do ponytails but I never guided her in how to do it either.

This brought my thoughts back to camp and watching Carrie D. put her hair in a ponytail time and time again while the kids all watched. They gathered in a circle while Carrie shared how she did ponytails, buckles, buttons, zippers... I couldn't help but wonder if what Carrie had taught Bella was coming back to her. How could a two-handed mama teach her daughter to put her hair in a ponytail?

Today, I'm thankful for Carrie and for Camp No Limits. Camp No Limits brought Carrie into our lives. I'm thankful for the bond that Carrie and I shared as mamas. I'm thankful for the time she spent with Bella showing her how to do ponytails, how to do buckles, tie shoes and zip zippers. I'm thankful for 4 life-changing days last January and the January before. I'm thankful for Carrie's confidence and her own personal style. Did I mention she blinged out her prosthetic? Totally a girl after Bella's heart. Bling and glitz and girly! Carrie lights a room with her smile when she walks into a room. She provides comfort and reassurance to mamas like me. She provides encouragement and wisdom to kids like Bella. I'm sure I can't put into words exactly how much I adore her and the difference she's made in our lives. Today, I'm thankful for Carrie and ponytails :)