There’s something about this season – caps tossed into the sky, tiny gowns on preschoolers, high school seniors standing a little taller, and college students packing boxes—that stirs something deep in a parent’s heart.
It’s a twofold season. Pride and celebration, yes. But, also a season of letting go.
From their very first steps to the moment they step out into the world, we’ve been there – cheering them on, kissing their scraped knees, staying up late helping with projects, calming fears before tryouts, and now… watching them fly.
We love to see it. But oh… it is so very bitter.
We want to hold them close, to wrap them in the warmth of our love and shield them from every hurt. But this is what we raised them for: to be strong, to be kind, to live, to lead, to love boldly.
Still, it’s hard. It’s hard to watch them leave the safety of our arms to face a world that will challenge them, stretch them, and at times break their hearts. We want them to experience every joy, but fear the pain that might find them too. We want them to soar, but worry about the weight of what they’ll carry when we’re not there to lift it for them.
But, what is the alternative?
That they stay close forever? Safe, yes – but shielded from life? That they never chase wonder, never meet challenge, never fall in love or find their own way? That they live half a life just to keep our hearts whole?
Then what?
No! We let go. We do the only thing we can—we let go with grace. We trust the roots we’ve planted and pray their wings are strong.
May our children carry us in their hearts as they go.
May they be protected and guided.
May they live fully, love deeply, laugh loudly, and always, always find their way back home.
To every parent watching their child cross a milestone this season—know this: your heart is not alone. This is love fulfilling its purpose, even as it breaks a little in the process.
“There are two lasting bequests we can give our children: one is roots, the other is wings.” — Hodding Carter