“Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back and reasons to stay.” — The Dalai Lama
I was the youngest of four children. My siblings had all moved on in college and marriage. It was quiet at home and sometimes very lonely. The last three years of high school, I was the only child. I became very close to mom and dad. We had fun times talking, laughing and we even traveled together. My parents supported me as a cheerleader and came to some of the basketball and football games. They basically cheered for the cheerleader. When it came time for me to go to college, it was hard for all of us. I was packed and getting ready to leave and we stood there hugging in a small circle with tears rolling down our cheeks. I’ve always been grateful for the wonderful parents that raised me. I may sound prejudiced, but They were the best.
It’s weird to think that I’m now at that stage of life with my own family. It was a painful experience when my youngest child moved out and left for college. I raised four children, and suddenly I’m alone. My sense of self had changed drastically. I loved being a mother, and now I’m an empty nester and find myself in a strange and different phase of my life. I can’t believe how fast those years passed by.
I thought how grateful that my daughter was accepted into a state college she wanted to attend. To experience my last child leaving home was painful. It’s scary to face change and the thought of being alone. Letting go is hard to do. I realize that if parents raise their children to be comfortable enough to leave home, they have done their job. This means I should focus my gratitude on the success of being a good parent. I have taught my children to move forward in their lives.
Affirmation
“Letting go helps me live in a more peaceful state of mind and helps restore my balance”