Anyone who knows Samuel knows how difficult it is to get a "normal" photo of him. He couldn't help smiling this morning. He has been packed for 4 days for this trip. He goes away for 3 days of archery, kayaking in the atlantic ocean and rock climbing up in Birsay, at the top of our little island. Up here it was hailing today, not the safest day for these activities. I was frequently reminded of the first semi-conscious prayer I prayed for him when he was born, "Oh Lord, I love him so much, help me let him go." I realized at that moment of his birth why it is SO difficult for moms to allow their children to spread their wings. And yet, if you think about it that is what it is from conception on. First they need us for everything, then their little hearts start with an independant rhythm from ours. When they are born they breathe their first breath of independant air. Then they don't need our food. They don't need us to move from point A to point B and then Z. Then comes the careful balance of independance, affirmation, embracing, and other things I can't seem to find the words to describe. Sniffle, sniffle, my baby boy is growing up. He's growing up and repelling down dangerous cliffs and braving fierce ocean storms in small twig-like boats and learning to shoot deadly weapons and ... girls?...oh Lord, I hope not yet.
when boys get to be 16 and 18 years old, they start to take care of their mom. they drive her places and help her carry things and hug her from their taller place in the world.
i've been enjoying these last few years a lot, with my boys being chivalrous with me.
Posted by: tammy | May 17, 2005 at 11:42 PM
It's difficult to let your children do what they want but it's important to make this huge step.Things like hiking,ocean kayaking or mountaineering can be dangerous but they help the children to become more organised and to know how to cope with difficult situations.
Posted by: Cara Fletcher | April 16, 2007 at 04:42 AM