Letting GO!

The refrigerator is weeping from the extra effort to keep up with the extensive opening and closing of its doors. And the dishwasher is working overtime as we cook and clean up after a larger group.

As the hub-bub (technical term taught to me by my Scottish grandmother) of the holidays begins, I’m quickly reminded that things are not the way they used to be and frankly, we can never go back. My son fell in love over the summer and is splitting this Thanksgiving between us and the family of his girlfriend. For Christmas he will be gone on a vacation to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with same girlfriend and family. My oldest daughter will be in Boston for Christmas then road tripping across the country with one of her best friends from high school.

And then there were three…just Mike, Isabelle and me…for the holidays.

I’m not known for being the mom with the umbilical cord still attached. I’m pragmatic in my parenting with the kids. I welcome and celebrate each of their developmental stages as they become increasingly more independent. And yet, for the first time, I feel my heart hurting, just a little, as those final strings are fraying and close to being broken, once and for all. I find myself asking questions like “did I give them the right foundation?” This is the entire point of our parenting—giving flight to our young—letting go.

This holiday season you may be in a similar situation—letting go of what used to be and embracing what is new. My challenge to you this week is to honor the past by loving your present. It’s in the NOW that we are living most fully and can truly LET GO.