A few days ago, my baby, Nora, strapped on her backpack, laced up her shoes and headed off to kindergarten. She was so ready \u2013 that made one of us. I\u2019m not sure if I\u2019m finally relieved to have some time to myself, or if I\u2019m just terribly sad.<\/p>\n
When she was a newborn and her older sister was a toddler, I remember merely trying to survive each day. Both were so little and helpless. They needed me for everything: changing diapers, cutting up food, ensuring they didn\u2019t swallow spare change. It\u2019s wonderful to be needed, but it\u2019s also exhausting (can I get an \u201cAmen\u201d?).<\/p>\n
Right before Nora turned one, she would hold onto my fingers in an attempt to walk. When she let go, her knees would buckle and she\u2019d fall down like an uncoordinated sumo wrestler. I would pick up her chubby little self and we would try again.<\/p>\n
Then one day, just like that, my baby started to walk on her own. She didn\u2019t need to hold my hands anymore. It was a metaphorical and literal step toward independence, and my heart simultaneously swelled with pride and broke a little.<\/p>\n
Now, when Nora reaches for my hand it\u2019s not because she needs to, it\u2019s because she wants to. That simple act is beautiful and profound.<\/p>\n
Isn\u2019t that what parenting is? Holding our children\u2019s hands until they learn they\u2019re strong enough to steady themselves, preparing a solid runway so they can eventually take off and fly on their own. The hardest part for us is letting go.<\/p>\n
To all the moms who are sending kids off to kindergarten, college, honeymoons or other grand adventures, thank you for paving the runway by being a steady set of hands, a permanent cheerleader and snack-provider. Even though you might not feel as needed as you once were, rest assured that you will always be a safe place for your children to land.<\/p>\n