My 13-year-old granddaughter, Lily, came to stay with us for the summer, and I was thrilled. She’d always been a sweet kid, and I was eager to spend quality time with her.
When she arrived, her energy was infectious. I suggested she explore while I unpacked her suitcase. As I unzipped it, I expected the usual clothes and maybe a teddy bear. Instead, I found crop tops that barely covered anything, extremely short shorts, makeup, perfume, and platform shoes. I was taken aback and immediately called my daughter, Emily.
“Hey, Mom! How’s Lily settling in?” Emily answered cheerfully.
“Emily, I found some things in Lily’s suitcase—crop tops, short shorts, makeup—” I said, trying to stay calm.
Emily sighed. “It’s not a big deal, Mom. All her friends dress like that.”
“But she’s only thirteen!” I protested.
“Mom, times have changed. Lily’s just expressing herself. The makeup is just for fun.”
I was confused. I decided to watch Lily closely over the next few days. She wore those outfits and experimented with makeup, but she was still the same Lily—laughing at Grandpa’s jokes and helping me in the garden.
A teenage girl runs excitedly down a hallway, calling out to someone out of view | Source: Midjourney
One evening, George noticed Lily in one of her outfits and expressed concern. “Doesn’t seem right to me,” he said.
“I talked to Emily. She says it’s normal now,” I replied.
I decided to talk to Lily. I found her reading on her bed and asked about her new style.
Lily’s face fell. “You don’t like it?”
“It’s not that,” I said. “I’m just surprised. It seems very grown-up for someone your age.”
“I know it’s different,” Lily admitted, “but all my friends dress like this. I just wanted to fit in.”
“I understand wanting to fit in,” I said. “But you don’t have to change yourself to do that.”
Lily nodded. “It’s fun to try new things sometimes.”
We shared stories about our pasts, and Lily laughed when I mentioned my go-go boots from my youth. As we talked, I realized Lily was still the same girl underneath her new look.
The next morning, Lily wore one of her new outfits with one of my old cardigans over it. She was helping George with breakfast, and I felt a warmth in my heart. The clothes and makeup were just part of her journey.
As we baked apple pie together, Lily asked about my go-go boots, and we laughed over old photos. I saw her true self in those moments—curious, kind-hearted, and still my Lily.
At dinner, Lily thanked me for the day, and I squeezed her hand, saying, “Anytime, sweetheart.”
Later, George and I reflected on the day. “Feeling better about things?” he asked.
I nodded. “Yes, Lily’s growing up, but she’s still our Lily.”
As I drifted off to sleep that night, I felt grateful for the time with Lily and the reminder that, despite changes, people don’t really change at their core. Sometimes, all we need is a little understanding, patience, and maybe a slice of apple pie.
