It’s funny how when we become parents…we never really know
how much the dreams we dream for our children
will change as our children grow.
Because as they grow…those dreams we had…we quietly erase them
as we allow the dreams they have…to gradually replace them.
Our dreams become more diverse…
as older parents our dreams are a little more sappy.
We dream for them to be accepting and generous people…
who are loving, kind and happy.
We reach a point where we can’t remember our earlier dreams
or the exact moment our dreams faded as their dreams came to be…
but we smile as they reach for their dreams…
proud of the people they’ve grown up to be.
And we think how even though they are not living our initial dreams
(How many children do?)
just knowing they are living their dream
has made our dreams come true.
NELLA’S BLESSING
May we be blessed as parents
As we get to know our children
a little better every day….
to understand the meaning…
of the things they do not say.
Every now and then when I see someone flying a kite
made of paper, strings and wood…
I smile…remembering how flying a kite…is a lot like parenthood.
How you spend a lot of time running around
looking up…checking the sky…
trying to catch the wind…and help your children fly.
And how with each child you’re as proud as you were the child before…
when you finally watch them leave the ground…catch the wind…and soar.
Proud you helped them off the ground.
Proud you helped them spread their wings…
and secure at first as you watch them fly
because in your hands…you hold the string.
And as you watch them gain confidence…
as they sail across the sky…
you gradually…lovingly…let out more string…
and the higher and higher they fly.
Until you’ve let out so much string…and they are flying so high in the air…
no longer can you see them…but you’re certain they are there.
And there comes a day when you realize just how high they’ve flown…
that you cut the strings and smile…as they fly off on their own.
It is a little bitter sweet as you think of…not just what they gain…
but what you lose….
as they’re now free to ride…on whatever wind they choose.
You hope, wherever the wind takes them…
all those places so different, exciting and new….
that, every now and then the winds will guide them back to you.
Where you wait patiently to hear of their adventures…
all the joys and heartaches life on the wind will bring….
and where…if they ever need it…
you’ll be ready with more string.