This was my living room on Monday evening. Normally I would NEVER take a photo like this let alone post it on the internet. But, this is a significant piece in our life right now.
Our goals in raising our children have always been that by the time they left our house they would be able to function on their own as good citizens of the world. Part of doing that is letting them slowly take the reins in all facets of their life. My daughter has been in control of her education this year. She talks to teachers, emails them with problems in assignments and contacts the school when things are not correct. If needed I may give advice and suggest wording but it is up to her to take care of it. I am slowly letting go….
This is another piece of the letting go. A little over a year ago we asked her if she would like a large Sweet Sixteen party or would she prefer to travel to Europe. She choose the Europe trip. So Monday night, one day after returning from camp, we packed her up and yesterday I drove her to Chicago to begin her trip in Boston.
She flew alone for the first time. She has flown with us and in a school tour group but never on her own. I did accompany her through security and we had lunch before she headed to her gate with about an hour before boarding was to begin. She quickly learned the “joys” of air travel when her flight was delayed for two hours, then three. But, she made it to Boston last night and will be flying to Germany, Italy and Switzerland over the next two weeks.
She will be touring with friends of mine from college. But, she has to figure this out on her own. No asking me what to do or how to fix things. We have practiced and talked about safety, honesty and our values. We have been preparing her to leave the nest and this two-week trial will be just the first of many over the next few years.
I always thought when they were babies it would be the toughest times. No one ever tells you that letting them go so is so painful.
What's for Dinner Moms? 
When my son was learning to walk an older lady told me “Every step he takes is taking him away from you.” It hurt to hear that but it is true. The good news is that they do remain part of our lives. Good job with your daughter!
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Thank you. That is so true.
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She sounds independent and capable. Good job parenting!
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Thank you. We think this is a good trial run to see what she can do. 🙂
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Letting them go is painful. And when they get older, it does get a little easier! Hang in there mom – it all works out okay. She will have a blast on her trip – I just know it! 🙂
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Thank you! Hope your day is filled with sunshine!
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It certainly is – thank you! 🙂
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I remember when Sean was 17 and begged me to let him go ALONE (no youth group) to an Apache Indian Reservation down in North Carolina to chop wood. For some reason that escapes me now, I let him drive the car down there and stay for a week. I often wonder what I was thinking, but he grew a lot from it and is now a very service-oriented adult who is taking his vacation next week to be a counsellor at a camp for children with cancer in VT. Let them fly and they will always come home to roost.
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I know she will do well. It is that feeling that my time with her is slowly dwindling down that is tough.
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Oh dear! I know letting go of them can be so painful😞 I wish her all the best. I am sure she is smart enough to make you proud 😃
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I know she will do well. It is definitely the idea that my time with her is dwindling. It makes me happy for her and sad for me all at the same time.
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It’s just a phase and it will pass away. Very soon you will realize that your little baby has grown up to be a confident young lady! And that will make you feel much better 😊
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Marci, this is the hardest part…but you have done a great job, and she will be fine. Hope she has a lovely trip. It will be a trip she will never forget. 🙂
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Thank you! I know she will be fine. It is the passage of time in life that is hard to deal with some days.
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Oh, I certainly can relate. x
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Nice job mom! (and thanks for sharing a real life picture) 🙂
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Lol. That is all there really is and any pretending is just not worth it. 🙂
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wowwwwwwwww how awesome is that! Luckeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!
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Lol. She has not regretted her choice at all. Even when some of her friends had the huge party she was glad she chose Europe.
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I would have chosen Europe too! WOWEE!!! So ummm what are the chances of being adopted now? LMAO!
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Hope she has a wonderful time on her vacation. For her to travel alone to another country at sixteen shows just how mature she already is. I know when I was sixteen I couldn’t fathom traveling alone.
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Thank you. She was nervous in Chicago but by the time I left she was fine. I can’t wait to hear all about it.
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Such a lovely post. And what a wonderful experience for your daughter. I wish her an amazing trip. She will remember this forever. Good on you mum – I am not looking forward to my 3 and 1 year olds taking off without me but I think it will also make me proud of the women they will have become 🙂
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I applaud you Marci for raising such independent children. Great job! I’m sure she will learn so much from this trip.
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Thank you for your kind words. She has taken huge leaps these last few weeks towards becoming a wonderful young lady.
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That will be an amazing experience! Letting go is the hardest part xxx
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It certainly is.
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But it is what we do as you said so that they can learn and grow!! Awesome job mom
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Thank you…
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🙂
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Congrats on raising her well! Will pray it will be an amazing time for get. 💞🙌🏻
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Thank you!!!
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I love this. I will be thinking of yr daughter many times while she is gone. I’m sure it will be a wonderful trip!
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Thank you so very much! I am sure she will love it and want to do more!
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I will think of you all day. I understand. Completely. Our four babies have left the nest,the last being our youngest,our son at 17. He is a Marine and we had to let go BEFORE he walked away for boot camp. To be honest,there our days I have to cry a bit,pray,give myself a talk and go on with that day. We have realized our children have actually pushed us out of the nest. They want us to travel and explore. I am so excited for your daughter!!! I am saying a special prayer for her today! So proud of you! Jen
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I love your post!
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Thank you so very much!
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