Parenting: The Grand Delusion

Parenting...

We enter into it naively:
thinking that we have so much to 
teach these little perfect angels.

We dream of fantasy images-
     first steps,
     first dance,
     graduation,
     college,
     marriage,
     grandchildren.


We never dream or imagine
     what could go wrong - 
     the dark days,
     the anger,
     the lies, 
     the resentment,
     the fear and worry...


We imagine that we are in control.


We believe that we have an influence.


We feel that our children reflect us.


And, yet, the reality is
     these children are souls on their own life path,
     with their own lessons,
     their own pitfalls,
     their own will.


We do the best we can
     to share values, 
     to give love,
     to teach respect,
     to model a good work ethic.


And, ultimately,
     it falls at their feet - 
     it's their life...


What will they do with it?


Which paths will they take?
  
How long will it take them to figure things out?


Will they get there - EVER?


Letting go is the hardest lesson
     that our children teach us,
     and, yet, it is the greatest gift
     we can give to ourselves
          and to them.


It is the only way
     and it is so hard.  


When we cut the cord, we set ourselves free. 

The Insidious Monster

A monster
     that creeps up out of nowhere,
     slowly gaining strength,
     slowly taking over
     until the spirit does not
            stand a chance

Leading you to forget who you are,
     all your aspirations,
     all your dreams,
     all your ambition -
           GONE

Nothing matters except
     your next date with the monster

No one else matters -
     this is your greatest love.

It beckons endlessly,
     attacking in a moment of weakness,
     tempting with its insidous lure,
     deceiving with promises of joy.

Let it Be OK

Whatever I don't understand...
     Let it be OK.

Whatever I judge to be wrong...
     Let it be OK.

Whatever I am worried about...
     Let it be OK.

Whatever others do that angers me...
     Let it be OK.

Whatever I do that angers or confuses me...
     Let it be OK.

Just let it be OK...