Independence

I have always known Mae is independent. She does what she wants to do when she wants to do it. She also has strong affection for other people and can bond to folks relatively easily. Some times I wonder if it is because she doesn't want to be with me but I have to squelch that fear. I tell myself that I have given her enough love and attention that she is a confident, young girl. Again, this is what I tell myself to make myself feel better. 

To night was a case in point of Mae's independence. We were at our good friend, Kate and Ash's house for dinner with their daughter Nora. Pearson was out of town and Ash was at a swim meet. At around 6:50 I told Mae it was time to head home for bed. She said she was not ready. To which I responded, "Then I guess you are going to have to spend the night here." To which she responded, "I want to spend the night here." After a couple more times asking her if that is what she really wanted, she insisted that she sleep there. And she said, "I will not be scared." My friend Kate is awesome and totally undeterred and said she would love to have her. I was a little sad but I am guessing this is just the beginning of her not wanting to be with me. God I love that little girl and her independence and courage. She totally aMAEzes me at every turn.