Two Words...

MATURATION PROGRAM.

Tonight I had the opportunity to take my first born to her fifth grade maturation program.  It had been billed as quite possibly the most horrifying event in her young life.  Coming from the girl that said wearing a bra was "her greatest fear" I didn't expect any less.  There had been some discussion about who she wanted to attend with her, me or her father, and the horrified looks on both of their faces was priceless.  I don't know which one looked more terrified, Reed or Taylor.  Taylor made a wise decision and I was able to accompany her to the Barratt Elementary Cafeteria.  We arrived at the event at promptly 6:30 (there is something to be said about arriving on time) and took our seats in the back row.  That's right, the very back row, which was a perfect plan for those of us in the group intent on tunneling out.  Diabolical really.  (It's less noticeable that way).  While one lady in our small group was devising ways to escape the discomfort of  the evening, another was looking forward to it with a delighted sort of glee.  I was looking forward to her reaction to becoming a young lady and if nothing else it was something to write about.  Let's just say I was not disappointed.  After the usual PTA business we got started.  The school nurse, who I can only describe as androgynous, stood up and welcomed the girls to the "sorority of womanhood."  I thought to myself, "I am not going to be disappointed."  This nurse, so intent on sharing her information, did not once crack a smile or show any kind of emotion.  It was as if she was an automaton.  She plowed through her subject matter with a sort of deliberateness and answered the questions with little enthusiasm.  I couldn't help but snicker at her apparent lack of passion for her subject matter.  We started off the evening talking about the five different types of maturity: intellectual, philosophical, physical, social, and emotional (I know because I took notes.  Do you think this could have been construed as embarrassing by the other of my party?).  And then we talked about the dreaded "P" word.  That's right - puberty.  We also discussed the pituitary gland, etc., etc.  This is when Taylor truly surprised me.  She sat up straight in her seat, put her head up, and (gasp!) paid attention.  She looked truly intent on learning about her body and her face did not register the horror that I was expecting.  The animated video was very educational and taught her better than I ever could have.  Maybe she really is growing up (and liking it).  The evening ended without even a nose wrinkle or disgusted snort coming out of my little girl.  Being able to attend Taylor's made me reflect on my own maturation program.  It was held in the library of Lehi Elementary and my escort was my dear Grandma Simper.  (Thanks, Grandma).  Times were different then as I don't remember much being said about the puberty portion.  I only remember some talk of hygiene and being handed the pamphlet pictured above.  Oh, those were the days, when you were left to figure things out for yourself, or have your older sister tell you all about it.  (Thanks, Niki).  So anyway, tonight Taylor and I have experienced a rite of passage and there is no one on this earth I would have rather done it with.  For a kid who will have to have her childhood pried from her vice-like grip she reacted tonight like the lady she will become.  It also made me think about all of the amazing women in my life and how we truly are a sorority of womanhood.  All of the joy, sorrow, and opportunity in this world is ours for the taking, if only we reach out and grab it.  So, to all the women who have influenced me in my life I extend a GREAT BIG THANK YOU!  Without you life would be pretty dull indeed.