independence?

children and will

how can we as parents

survive the reality of the independence of will

of the children who come from us,

who are of us,

yet who are also themselves,

I heard a story once of a radical leader

who looked outside and saw his people marching in purpose,

and who then declared:

“Those are my people. 

I must see where they are going, 

so that I might lead them.”

as a parent, 

I love,

I hope,

and I have to let go of control,

for I don’t really have it anyway,

I have to trust my children

and let them go where they will,

hoping I have helped them

know themselves,

know reality,

and know well enough how to choose,

and then how to deal with the consequences.

by Henry H. Walker

September 13, ‘19