Letting Go

Oh my! My son is going to university soon!

Just got back from my eldest son's future university orientation. He is taking a course in MotorSports Engineering and double major in either Mechatronics or Mechanical! I'm so proud of him, and equally excited. Yet, can a mother's heart really let go?

I believe there's one non-negotiable requirement in being a mom. There are times when I find myself with no other option but to let go: I let go of expectations and of control again and again. Expectations of how it will be to be pregnant, to breastfeed, to parent my children through each new developmental phase, to be, someday, grandparents. Letting go over control when they sleep, how they eat, what they gravitate towards, the career they choose.

For me, letting go is hard. It is probably one of the most profoundly gratifying lessons there is. This meant, letting my son try footy when I want so much for him to play soccer. Most often, it means allowing him to make bad decisions and suffer the consequences although I wish I could go through the pain in his behalf!

Letting go also means giving our children the freedom to make their own decisions, and see them learn to choose wisely. It means letting them be themselves, and watching their individual personalities emerge as they grow.

Can a mother's heart really let go? My close friend and mentor who's been there, once said, "No one can ever prepare us to let go of our children but God is there to carry us through". (She wrote about it here. )

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To my eldest son CJ, always know I'm here for you and that's all you need to know.
I love you, my son. Your father and I gave you a solid foundation and equipped you with wings to fly! Go and follow your dreams and be the man God has destined for you to be!


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the blip shows one of the building entrances of the university