The Starting End

What are the thoughts that go through our mind when our young Adult child tells us they are ready to move out and move on? I was surprised when I tried to word my thoughts. I honestly didn’t realize I was that far- that I had been preparing for this for 21 years.

Is it really me that needs to let go?
Opening doors to the future,
That I did,
…Long ago

I let go the day
You took your first step,
Let go that day,
You walked alone to school

I let go that day
You said you knew that you could,
As I watched you jump in
The deep end of the pool

I let go when I saw
You’d found your first love,
And let go again,
When you had your first kiss

Let go when that took
The piece of your heart,
Now gone, once mine,
For your new loves sweet bliss

I let go of time,
Just to watch you grow
Yes, I did,
I did,
I did let go

Each step of the way,
Piece by piece,
Knowing this time must come

I let go to let you
Become yourself,
I let go to allow you,
To turn in to someone

Who could take the steps,
On your own,
Gathering courage, to once venture,
Out all alone

I did let go,
With each second, each day
While holding my breath,
That you’d find the right way

So the matter today,
Is not me, but you
I have let go,
But can you
Let go too?