Several years ago a very wise woman shared with me some wonderful insight about parenting.  She told me to remember that parenting is a continuous process of letting go.  It begins at birth when the mother’s womb releases that tiny, beautiful baby into the world.  From that moment on, we as parents are engaged in a never-ending series of events that challenge us to let go in order for our child to grow and develop into an independent person.  Baby’s first tentative steps, first day of school, first time away from home, first solo drive in the car, first job… in each situation we have to make the choice to let go and allow our little darling the chance to experience life on their own. 

This sage mentor also advised me to remember that as scary and stress-inducing as this process may be, it is a necessary and wonderful part of life. Celebrate the daily progress along with the big milestones and take comfort in knowing that your child is growing as they should.  

I have sincerely tried to take this advice to heart.  While it is still hard for me to let go sometimes (okay, most of the time), I try to remember that it is a necessary part of life.  Some moments I am able to go directly into celebration mode; others take me a little bit longer.  Like this morning…

Today is the first day of school- for both my school teacher husband and our girls.  It is always a bittersweet moment for me.  I like the return to a regular daily routine.  I also have a little more time to myself.  However, it also means that my kids are getting older (and I am getting older).  Today is especially poignant because it is my youngest’s very first day of high school.  Where did the time go?  I was feeling very melancholy at breakfast this morning when my husband reminded me that this is the next step for her.  Not only is it fundamental, but it is in keeping with what we want for her.  Independence… really?  Yes, really.  And so I watched her walk out the door with her older sister.

 I’ve been slowly crawling towards adjusting my attitude to celebration mode all morning.  My goal is to be there by the time school gets out and I will hear the exciting reports about today’s events.  And then we will celebrate… and I will begin to prepare for the next time I get to “let go.” 

“There are two lasting bequests we can give our children.  One is roots.  The other is wings.” ~Hodding Carter, Jr.