Let go and they will take flight

My father tells of an experience when my two youngest sisters found a baby bird on the ground. They came running to my father in a panic, "Dad, a baby bird has fallen from its nest, please come put it back so it won't die!" My father went and did as my sisters had asked.

Again the same thing happened - sisters found bird, went to dad for help and he put baby bird back in nest.

A third time my sisters found this baby bird on the ground and came running to dad to rescue this poor baby bird who couldn't manage to stay in its nest. As my dad went to put the the bird back, he heard high up in the nest the momma bird chirping loudly at him which seemed to be saying, "You stupid fool! Can't you see that it is time for my child to leave the nest and to find his way. You are doing him no favors by putting him back in the nest! Leave him alone - I have taught him what he needs to know to be on his own!" The sad little bird didn't go back into the nest.

When asked recently in an interview what is the hardest part about parenting, I said that it was letting go. I love having my children at home and my family all together creating memories, celebrating special occasions, going to sporting/music/school events. I enjoy gardening, canning and making meals for my family. I feel a sense of safety for my children when they are under my wings. A part of me wants to hold onto them forever and never let them go. What if something bad happens to them, what if it gets hard, what if, what if?

I was also asked, in the same interview, what is the best part of parenting. My reply was that I love watching my children become who they are intended to be. It's a double edged sword. In order for them to "become" I must "let go" - allow them to live their lives, make their own mistakes, form their own opinions.

I realized that my job as a mother is to prepare to set my children free. While they are still at home I have a great responsibility to teach them about faith, family, service, work, friend and agency. I have countless experiences with each of my children that have helped them through lives challenges & successes while in the safety of home.

I now have 3 children (out of 9) who are out of the home, finding their way, becoming who they are supposed to be. I didn't push them out of the nest, but I did let go and give them the freedom to leave. Oh how my heart ached as they left, even knowing that it was time. I'm sure I would be a lot like the momma bird and yell at anyone who tried to stop my from setting my children free. They have been taught. They have spread their wings and are soaring.

Such a proud momma bird.