The challenge of letting go

Holding on.

Danny is 10 now. He walks to school on his own and, for the first time, can head off with his friends without us. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to travel with him to England this year because it feels like we’ve reached another turning point in his journey towards independence.

I know we still have years of family trips, soccer games and activities together. But his desire to be with his friends—and his ability to go out and experience the world without us—is only going to increase.

I think this is the second time I’ve shed a few tears over my kids growing up. I remember the transition around five or six, when some of that little-kid magic and innocence started to disappear. This feels different. Now it’s the space that gradually develops as they start to step away from their parents.

Of course, that’s the natural order of things. It’s what we want for our kids. We spend years trying to raise capable, confident and independent people, and then discover that their independence requires us to let go a little too. It’s not easy.

The bond and relationship Danny and I have had over these first ten years has been incredibly special. I feel very fortunate to have had so much time with him and to have shared so many experiences together.

There is some sadness in watching this stage start to change, but mostly there is gratitude for what we’ve had—and excitement about the person he is becoming. I know this process will continue to evolve, and we will go through it all with Mackenzie.

Almost as tall as mom…