A Closing of the Circle

Last week I wrote about my parents getting older. And, as the world always aligns the way that makes the most sense, this past week brought forth many changes for my three children and so it is only fitting that I now write about them. A closing of the circle, as their own lives open wide.

Watching my three, beautiful children gives me great joy. My children - they are wise. And they are capable. They are talented and trustworthy and kind. Funny and free and full of life. But still they will be faced with challenges that will test their knowledge and their strength, their resolve and their ability to rebound.

And so that inner struggle once again visits my psyche and challenges my innate instinct of what I know is right. Because it is so hard, as their mother not to want to fix the problem. Organize the adventure. Smooth the conflict. Make it all ok. 

But this I know is true: it has never been my job to protect my children from life but to shine my light on their path and let them truly live their lives fully.            

Whereas my children’s greatest gift to me is my own growth as their mother, my greatest gift to them has always been to acknowledge their abilities, their innate wisdom and their true self.

I have known this from the moment my first baby was born. A truth, living deep in my belly, that told me when to set up rules and boundaries and when to let them navigate their journey on their own.  When to soften the blows and when to let life’s lessons teach my children the hard truths so that they could discover the enormous inner strength that they have. 

And this they have done. With grace and with fortitude.