My Words/ My World

Letting Go

nobody@vox.com(kellysouth) — Sun, 18 May 2008 13:09:50 -0700

Wow- Just hit a Milestone Moment and was completely unprepared for it. All of a sudden after lunch today Luke asked if he could ride his bike without training wheels. Internally I hit full panic mode. But on the exterior I remained calm and said, "sure sweetie." So we went outside. Unscrewed the things, packed bikes and helmets into van and drove up to Rachel's school where they have a big smooth parking lot. Strapped on the helmets and he hopped on the bike. Here's where I continued to mentally remind myself over and over that would be ok and I had to encourage him to believe in himself and try it. So I kept telling him to "believe in yourself, you can do it." I am not sure who I was trying to convince more. I ran along side and balanced him for about 3 steps and then had to LET GO! It just went against every maternal instinct I have to do so. I could visualize scrapes, cuts, bruises, broken bones, and concussions. But my head had to keep control of my heart. I had to believe in him. I had to remember that he needs to build his confidence. He has to mature and become more independent. He will continue to grow up whether I want him to or not. So I did it. I LET GO! And he kept going. And was fine! He balanced and pedaled. He just kept going and balancing all the way across the lot. I was screaming and jumping for joy for him. I didn't tear up then but I am now just reliving the moment. We repeated the process about 20 more times and he even called Dad to come the 4 blocks over and watch him. Then he had to call his cousins too! I'm so proud of him. Starts and stops aren't very smooth yet but he's getting there. And in the big picture of mother hood, so am I.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Letting Go

nobody@vox.com(kellysouth) — Sun, 18 May 2008 13:09:49 -0700

Read and post comments | Send to a friend