Change Gives Us Branches

Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights. ~Pauline R. Kezer

Continuing our month of thankfulness…

Today be thankful for change. Life is all about change, continuous change really. Without it we are a stagnant, stale shell of a human being.

Today my youngest daughter, Alexandra turns 18. This is my third child to attain “adulthood,” yet another transition in our lives. With only one “young child” left to care for I straddle the transition to adult parenting. One foot is trying to step back into something of a guide and mentoring role, while the other foot is still deeply involved in hands on parenting of an 11 year old. This balancing act is challenging at times. It requires reminding myself that at 21, 19 and 18 they are technically adults now and don’t need me to hover and swoop in to take care of them. At the same time I still get those frequent “Mom, can you help me?” calls. I find it’s a learning process to know when to step forward and when to step back and also to know when to put my hands in the air and give the tough love, you need to take care of this yourself message.

There is a certain continuity in parenting. We remain parents until our last breath; the worrying, the nurturing and the love remain. The change is in how we carry out our roles and in the growth of the relationship with our child.

Today be grateful for change. I miss those strawberry curls, that angelic giggle and those sticky kisses; but I embrace and look forward to the blossoming of the intelligent and kind, auburn haired beauty that is blooming before my eyes.