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.