My oldest son, Matt has grown up – and I’m proud of the man he’s become.

Sure, he no longer talks to me about everything as he did throughout his youth – that is probably a good thing as it means he is no longer relying on my input. It is all part of the maturation process and becoming an independent adult.

Still…. it is so hard to let go after having been such a central part of his life for so long.

He is a special soul who I’m deeply proud of. He is doing everything he can to remind me that he isn’t who I think him to be – which is also probably a good thing.

Rising above one’s parenting is a monumental task of great importance for surviving in the world. It is also essential to establishing emotionally healthy relationships.

My youngest son, Ryan has grown by leaps and bounds. Perhaps I’m trying to hold on too tightly to him. Taking the bus now, he has shown tremendous courage and strength, even when I put him on the right bus headed in the wrong direction. He handled it well and got to where he needed to go.

Now if only he would love himself enough to know he is worthy of friends who will always support and encourage him. He has grown into a sensitive, compassionate, and caring young man who wants more than anything to have friends who share those attributes.

*sigh*

Life does not always bring us what we WANT, but it does ALWAYS bring us those experiences required for the Lessons we NEED.