learning to fly
or as so happens to be the case in my house, learning to get yourself where you need to be. but you know the whole leaving the nest metaphor seemed appropriate here. i’ve talked in the past about learning to let go of my kids, about learning to let them learn to do things – on their own – as in without me – where i can’t see them – where i can’t protect them – PANIC!
but apparently i am doing better with it these days. here’s proof: i went back to school this week and i have a class that lets out later than normal for my schedule meaning the boys need to get themselves home and the girl needs to get herself to the dance studio for class. the distance for all of them is about one mile from their schools, basically a straight route through a good neighborhood. not so bad right? i know! except that 6 months ago – heck even a month ago, just the thought of them walking/riding their bike that far would have made me hyperventilate. these days however, i am perfectly okay with this.
now i haven’t made a complete 180 on the subject. i was a little bit nervous as my daughter pedaled down the street to school on Monday morning but that was the only set of jitters i had. she got herself to school and then to dance without any problems. and the boys? they got themselves home just fine and they all did the same thing again today. for the first time, i didn’t sit in class worrying about if they are okay and if they made it home yet. for the first time i didn’t hold my breath until i got the call letting me know they made it to their destinations. for the first time in a very long long time (i’m talking years here) i had some faith that this world we live in would be a safe place for them.
it feels good to be in this place. it feels good to see they are learning to grow, be responsible and can be trusted. it feels good to feel so proud of them and see how proud they are in themselves. maybe they aren’t the ony ones who tried out their wings this week.
