I hope you dance…

Are you ready? Ready for what you ask? Most times I believe we are never truly “ready” for anything. Many young adults are heading off to college this month. Worry sets in as parents must let go of the child they spent 18 years teaching to have wings. Will they make it to class? Are they safe? Are they making good choices? How long before I see them again?

August is a tough month. It is magnificently difficult, to see all the worries being felt this time of the year, with students leaving for school. At times, I want to shout that you WILL see your student again. You WILL get a hug and a smile again. It will be okay. Missing them is certain.  All things, their friends, the noise, the light they brought to your life will be quiet for a bit.  They will walk away and most likely be as nervous as you, but they will come back.  Separation is a difficult adjustment, yet temporary.  Each stage of life gives us opportunity for mistakes and successes. As parents, we wish we could teach our kids not to repeat ours. I remember being told by our oldest that we were keeping him from having fun, by not letting him live life his way and make his own mistakes. Sincere love and fear for those we can’t imagine living without, makes us tough, yet quite vulnerable at times. Our children hold our hearts in theirs. We understand this, although they may not…just yet.

Losing our son nine weeks into his freshman year in college is a rare occurrence. The likelihood of anything tragic, by a split second decision made, is slim. All the worrying in the world would not have kept him safe. Worrying will not change any outcome. All it will change is the quality of your life and your child’s. Did I have a tracker on our son’s phone just in case, absolutely! Did it help us or him? Not one bit! Did he tolerate it for me? Indeed!

You spent years preparing your child to be independent. In fact, isn’t that what we all strive for? Independence from us, yet certain dependence on God. We can’t be there for every moment in life, especially when they leave, however, HE IS. Putting your faith in Him through prayer and knowing your child, is a child of God, just as you are, lightens a heavy load.

Taking your child to the next level of their life is a joy! Walking by faith takes on many forms. Anything worth having in this life is NEVER easy, but worth it! Letting go is tough, no doubt! Let go and let God. He is bigger than all your fears. No matter the outcome of what you feel is success, be sure that there is a better life ahead! For many parents, the wait is eternal. While your child is away, look up, be happy and just dance…I am sure your student is!  Find the good.

Forwarding
All
Issues
To
Heaven

Peace, blessings and happy, no fear, school year!

MamaC

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

Photo:  Our enthusiastic son’s college ID.  He was always making us and others laugh!