Twenty-three days ago, Lauren turned 18.
We have already had the "talk" about how even though she is an adult, she still lives under our roof and has to obey our house "rules." Earlier this week, she wanted to drive up by herself and visit a friend that was a little over an hour away. She asked both the hubby and I if it was okay. My response back was, "your dad and I are okay with it, as long as you are okay with it." We made sure she started with a full tank of gas, knew the roads to take and that she knew the AAA emergency number. She texted me when she arrived at her destination. Yesterday, she found out who her roommate will be at college. They have already touched base and Lauren told me, "she sounds a lot like me!" Cool. Yesterday afternoon, she informed me that she would be driving herself and a couple of friends to the beach on Saturday. The only thing I helped do for her this morning was to make a few sandwiches for the road. A minute ago, I just received this text, "At the beach!" I texted back, "cool, have fun!" It seems like it was just yesterday that I was holding her tight because she couldn't sit up by herself.
I still catch myself trying to tell her what to do, but little by little, I am "letting go." I think the best thing I can do for Lauren from here on out, is have the kind of relationship I have with my stepson since he's become an adult. Be there whenever they need a shoulder to lean on, cook them good meals and treat them with love, kindness and respect.
We have already had the "talk" about how even though she is an adult, she still lives under our roof and has to obey our house "rules." Earlier this week, she wanted to drive up by herself and visit a friend that was a little over an hour away. She asked both the hubby and I if it was okay. My response back was, "your dad and I are okay with it, as long as you are okay with it." We made sure she started with a full tank of gas, knew the roads to take and that she knew the AAA emergency number. She texted me when she arrived at her destination. Yesterday, she found out who her roommate will be at college. They have already touched base and Lauren told me, "she sounds a lot like me!" Cool. Yesterday afternoon, she informed me that she would be driving herself and a couple of friends to the beach on Saturday. The only thing I helped do for her this morning was to make a few sandwiches for the road. A minute ago, I just received this text, "At the beach!" I texted back, "cool, have fun!" It seems like it was just yesterday that I was holding her tight because she couldn't sit up by herself.
I still catch myself trying to tell her what to do, but little by little, I am "letting go." I think the best thing I can do for Lauren from here on out, is have the kind of relationship I have with my stepson since he's become an adult. Be there whenever they need a shoulder to lean on, cook them good meals and treat them with love, kindness and respect.
You are so wise. Letting go is a gift to our children. We pray that we have instilled in them the "right thing to do." Cellphones make contact so much easier for everyone, and the young are up on using it. I know Lauren appreciates that not only are you letting go, you are giving her wings to fly with and love to carry with her. Love, Auntie
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words! You are an amazing and loving "Auntie" to my family and we love you very much :)
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