I was thrilled to have my 13-year-old granddaughter, Lily, stay with us for the summer. When she arrived, she was lively and cheerful, happy to be here. However, when I opened her suitcase, I was taken aback. Instead of the usual clothes and books, I found tiny crop tops, very short shorts, makeup, perfume, and high platform shoes items I never imagined Lily would choose to wear. Feeling concerned, I called my daughter Emily, who reassured me not to worry.
She explained that this was just how kids dress nowadays, and that Lily was simply expressing herself, which was perfectly normal at her age. Still a bit uneasy, I kept a close eye on Lily over the next few days. She wore those outfits and experimented with makeup, but underneath it all, she remained the same sweet, kind-hearted girl laughing, helping out in the garden, and enjoying our time together. One evening, I gently brought up the topic of her new style.
Lily confided that she wanted to fit in with her friends and was having fun trying out new things. I shared a few stories from my own teenage years, recalling how I once wore go-go boots that my mother had found scandalous. Through that conversation, I realized that even though the world had changed, Lily was still the same person I loved. Her clothes and makeup were just her way of growing up and discovering who she was.
What truly mattered was her heart and character, not what she wore on the outside. By the end of the summer, as we baked apple pie together and shared stories, I felt deeply grateful for the time spent with Lily and for gaining a better understanding of her world. Growing up may look different now, but love and trust remain timeless.