Remember the kids–They’re like kites
You spend a lifetime trying to get them off the ground.
You run with them until you’re both breathless.
They crash. They hit the rooftop.
You patch and comfort, adjust, and teach.
You watch them lifted by the wind and assure them that someday they’ll fly.
Finally, they are airborne.
They need more string and you keep letting it out.
But with each twist of the ball of twine, there is a sadness that goes with joy.
The kite becomes more distant, and you know it won’t be long before
that beautiful creature will snap the lifeline that binds you two
together and will soar as it is meant to soar, free and alone.

Only then do you know that you did your job.

by Irma Bombeck

note: I posted this today to remind myself of this, as my sons left today (still remembering to always say I love you before they leave) to go shopping for for college Dorm supplies for the new school year.

*sigh* it never gets any easier when they leave …

It is true that most of us are not satisfied with where we are
That we are all on our way to some place else
It is so easy to get distracted
And so much in life is ephemeral
But let it be said in consolation
That what you cannot see is what matters
The things of any real value are most often missed by our eyes
That what really counts in life can only be seen by the heart
We may make lots of noise while we are here
But we leave without making a sound
So hold onto the child within you
And approach everyday with your heart