Reflection: The Confidence I Watched Bloom

As a mother, you are always looking for noticeable changes in your children. It doesn't matter what it is. A scratch on the knee; growth in hair; or a growth in height. Mothers will take notice. The one important change I noticed in Banvoa was her confidence. I noticed a shine around her aura after the Flowering Party. She smiled a lot more. And after the Promise Ring Gathering her stride was stronger. She definitely changed. I was proud of her maturity. Our beautiful flower blossomed into the confident and strong young lady we all were hoping for. This is why I highly encourage mamas, play mamas, and aunties to write down their stories. You can always refer to them as a wonderful keepsake.

I have referred to Banvoa's Flowering Party and Promise Ring Gathering stories numerous times. I am proud of the fact that I wrote down her stories. I recommend writing down the stories while they are fresh to your memory. What I appreciate most about her stories is her sacred circle's contribution to their experience. Her sacred circle willingly participated in her development. It was certainly their pleasure. A lot of Banvoa's confidence came from, as Banvoa said, what Aunt Gwennie was discussing with her. An elder molding the character of a child in a younger generation. There was a lot of love being exchanged between Banvoa and Aunt Gwennie. Truthfully, I believe there was a lot of love being exchanged between us all. As I have said, you just had to be at the parties to take in the full experience. I believe we all took something we individually needed.

As for Banvoa's confidence and not needing a promise ring from a young man to have that part of her life fulfilled — I appreciate her father's participation in the Promise Ring Gathering. It was a mighty blessing for Banvoa to receive the promise ring from her father, the first man in her life. I am so happy that the I Am a Beautiful Flower: What Every Flowering Girl Should Know book has the pictures of Banvoa receiving the promise ring from her dad. It was a special moment that every girl should experience. The pictures captured the moment so lovely.