A wise man recently told me that I should be 95 percent happy and 5 percent sad that our oldest daughter has relocated to Austin, Texas for her first professional job.
Growing Independent
I am extremely proud of her and all her accomplishments and know that she will do well in her architecture career.
I told this wise man that whenever I feel a little sad I think about how I did the same thing after graduating from college in Nebraska, taking my first job in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
As we raised our three daughters my husband and I always intended that they would grow strong and independent and now it is happening.
Laura has gone 18 hours away from home. Andrea, who graduates next May from IU, will go wherever her degree in sports management and statistics takes her – most likely far away too. Marissa, who has three more years before she has her CPA degree, says all she will promise is that it will be somewhere in the Midwest.
So, to all who are in a similar situation as I have found myself in, or who are still in the parenting years, remember to always hold your children closely – just don’t hold them back.
I would say that could also apply to someone you know who is in an abusive relationship. It is important to talk about what is going on with that person, you just don’t want to smother them or hold on to them too tightly. It will be critically important that you are open and honest with them, just don’t dictate or try to control their life or you will lose them. The best thing you can do is be there for them when they are ready to grow their independence and strength.
