There's a famous quote that says "American by birth, Southern by the grace of God." Maybe I can't say it for all girls, but hopefully I can for at least some of us who have grown up in the south, or have at least lived in the south for an extended period of time. Growing up as a southern daughter is something very special.
We are born to fit into a tribe of women with one thousand and one different sides to us, just like the southern daughters who came before us. We are feisty, strong-willed, smart, and independent. At the same time, we are graceful, kind, hard-headed, and above all, we love fiercely.
From a young age, we are taught the importance of manners and how to conduct ourselves. We learn that the thank you note is just as important as the party itself. We learn that some of the best advice comes from the women that surround us.
Our relationships with our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and cousins is something that shapes us, and makes us who we are. We are the perfect combination of a daddy's girl and mom's best friend. Being raised below the Mason-Dixon line is something that is a rare jewel.
We found ourselves in the Friday night lights, bundled up and wanting our high school team to make it to state. Most of us learn from the men in our lives how a lady should be treated. We expect him to shake our father's hand when he comes to our homes, for his mom to be treated the right way, and the door to be opened for us.
We learn about the power of sweet tea and long talks on a summer night. We quickly figured out that Saturdays in the fall are reserved for the religion that is college football. We have a drive and a passion about us that is something that we are constantly trying to fulfill. We find this passion in things we love and care strongly about and we chase it. We strive to be educated in whatever area we desire, and we learn all we can. We learn that even if we don't want to, putting on your makeup and brushing your hair shows respect, as well as painting your toenails when you wear sandals.
We are taught to be able to stand on our own two feet, and to make our own lives, but that a good man can complete the picture. We learn that there is a lot to be said about working hard for what you want.
Even though we hate to admit it, our lives are full of lots of honey's, sweethearts, ma'am's and sir's. We do a lot of heart-blessing's, and then turn around and pray for those same people on Sundays. We speak our minds rather then biting our tongues. Most of us have at one point or another had a mad crush on a country singer, or a certain country song. Pearls and monograms are something that is one hundred percent necessary, as well as a half price Coke during happy hour at Sonic. We learn quickly how all the problems in the world can be solved with a bowl of Bluebell Ice Cream. Above all, we are strong as the heat in the middle of summer, and soft as the big blue skies.
