This week I said a tearful goodbye to my seventeen-year daughter who is doing a study abroad high-school program in Israel for two months. And through my tears, I knew that it was important for me to let her know that even though I was crying, I still thought she was doing the right thing. Go, fly away little bird.
I’ll miss her bunches and bunches, but I let her go, because that’s what mothers do.
Just discovered your site today and love what you’re doing – thank you for sharing and encouraging! I live in Jerusalem and one of our sons went to study in the U.S. as a teen, so I know these motherly growing pains deeply. It’s like giving birth again. Breathing deeply helps. And then, it’s our time to fly, as well!
Dear Barbara,
You are a brave mom like so many others out there.It might help to read Khalil Gibran on this–Your children are not your children
They are born out of life’s longing for itself
Hard as it is, we have to let go and let them fly!
I know that it is hard to let go. But, this is just the beginning. She will only be gone for a little while this time. Then she will be going off to college in about a year and she will be gone for some years. Then in about 4 or 5 years, marriage. She will be gone even longer. Praying for you and your daughter as she travel along the way. That the Lord keep her safe from all harm and danger.
My son went to work in the USA for two solid years! I was devistated. At the Airport He walked in through the doors not even looking back! Suppose he didn’t want to.I was heartbroken … After 18 months we paid him a visit in NYNY for 3 weeks. One of my most prescious memories was a day we spent in Manhatten. The weather was super after a cold spell in Spring and we strolled along Broadway from Chinatown up to The Times Square. Chatting, taking photographs, shopping,window shopping, having lunch in a park and just making up lost time and storing love for the next lonely months before our long journey back to South Africa. America and it’s people was good for my son! I hope he will be able one day to return. So ,through aal one’s tears the experience is rich in memories. Wow! I think she is smart! Only 17 years old!
Hi!
I can very well relate this situation as my elder son too is studying away from home. The day he left for his university I knew it was time to snap the umbical cord for sometime, till he would be ready to come back home all well read and loaded with knowledge from outside world. All the best!!!!!!!!!