and what's in that bag?

...well, what else could it be if:

1. it's in pepper's room
2. pepper has just started grade 7
3. it's a La Senza bag

yes, my little girl is firmly placing a foot toward womanhood with her request for a bra.  it's the first time the line: but mom, everyone in my grade has one has worked on me (granted, it's also the first time she's used that line)

of course i advised it was nothing but a cage for breasts... but i easily acquiesced and off we went: a girly adventure to the mall.  and, as i helped her choose (not the bright pink one - it will show through your clothes and folks will know you've only got 2 bras... not that one with cups - they aren't comfortable, and if you get big like auntie net-net you'll be sorry you never had a chance to wear this more relaxed style) and as i went in the changeroom with her... i couldn't help but be thankful that we were doing this together.  with no embarrassment, no resentment.  she may be yearning to enter her teen years but for now we talk, we laugh, we share.

i've always known that having a daughter lets me relive my memories, and now i see it can rewrite those memories too, heal them.  she asked.  i heard her.  i helped.

the memory of her first bra will be a happy one,
for both of us