Letting Go

My eldest son informed us last night at dinner that he wants to move out with his buddies this next spring after Universtiy (May 1). I know that he is 19 and ready to go, but as a Mom, I still see him as my little boy! I thought I would share this poem I found about letting go, I apologize for not knowing who the author is, but I love it...

"Letting Go"
I can't protect you any more.
I can't make your hurt go away.
I tell you I love you and show you I care.
I try to help out when things don't seem fair.
But my power as a mother goes only so far.
I can't always reach the places you are.
I want to be close like we were before,
But you want to move on -- to discover what's more.
When you were a baby, I'd hold you tight,
And keep you forever within my sight.
I could satisfy your every need,
It was an easy time for us indeed.
And when you were a toddler and scraped your knee,
You'd hold out your arms and run to me.
I'd kiss where it hurt and make it feel fine.
A hug and a kiss worked every time.
I was always the one you turned to then.
I wish it could be like that again.
But now when you're sad you turn away,
And I don't know what words to say.
You're my little boy, but you're growing up fast.
I feel you slipping from my grasp.
I want to hold on, but I know it's time
For me to let go of this child of mine.
I long to protect you, to shield you from pain.
But I have to remind myself time and again,
That you have to experience life on your own,
While I stand back and leave you alone.
I try to be there when the going gets tough.
Sometimes growing up can be so rough.
But I also feel proud of the person you are.
I know that you're strong and that you'll go far.
I realize it's time to start letting go.
I've taught you so much of the things that I know.
As you step forward, I'll take two steps back.
It's not easy for me, but I'll soon get the knack.
I'm letting go, but I'll never be far.
You can always reach me, wherever you are.
I watch you proudly as you start on your way.
My love goes with you as we start a new day.


Hope you enjoyed it! I actually even did a l/o for this too!.

Oh that is AWESOME-- and I love the LO! It's GREAT! A

Thanks Ali... I know it is a bit long, but I love it! I bawl my eyes out everytime I read it!

Oh I can't read this right yet!!! I'm gonna be in the same situation soon, I'd say...
I'll have to come back and read it later.I may get too emotional.

For sure Deanne! I cry everytime I read this.

It's lovely! Hugs- it will get a bit easier, it is tough at first. Plus, you will really look forward to seeing him when he visits.

Somedays I kind of wish he was gone, but most of the time I don't! Horrible aren't I???

Not at all, I completely understand. It is part of the process of letting them go and be an adult. Remember, mama birds just shove the little ones right out of the nest!

Some days that would be to easy Pam! LOL!!

That is beautiful. THanks for sharing!

Your welcome Susan.

awwww...this is so touching Helen.
I remember when the last of my chicks left the nest.drove off in a car with 2 other buddies headed across country to attend college in California.
I must have cried for days.
But it all gets better as they move into a new stage of their lives.
Beautiful layout and moment to capture. TFS

Thanks Jean Marie..... I know it will get easier when he is finally gone! He is just talking about it now, and it hasn't even happened yet! I am sure I will cry for days too!