The other day my 17-year-old daughter said to me, ‘Mom, you know I will be going for a 1-year overseas work experience during my Uni training?’ For a moment, I pretended like I didn’t hear because a hearing would mean that I might have to accept and support her.
I felt my heart skip a beat and I felt like telling her…. NO !! But I didn’t and all I could say was , ‘ Are you now ?…’
This statement I felt would buy me some time to compose my emotions. I didn’t even want to ask where she wanted to go. Knowing my first daughter, she would throw me the name of a faraway country that I am almost certain would freak me out.
They Grow Up To Apply What They Have Learned
We love our kids very much, and we have nurtured and protected them since birth, and seeing them grow up has made me understand how much they are a gift not to own but to nurture and release, but oh! It ain’t easy.
I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that this is what we have been training and preparing them.
We have trained them to dream. To chart their own course in life, make the right choices, take gainful risks, and serve God and humanity.
The kids love people and they are purposeful in their choices. I love how they have fun pursuing goals and dreams, and having as much fun as they can. Our children are aware that they remain accountable for every action they take in life.
And we have also trained them to know we will never be too far away. We will be there to give them hugs when needed and Whatever they require by way of advice or guidance.
We Will Always Be Dad And Mum
Whenever they need that hug or word of advice, we will be there. And especially when they need the mom and dad in us to tell them that no matter how big and grown they are, they will always be our baby, and we will always be mom and dad.
One day they will not just be our kids, but they will also become our friends. But today, she is my beautiful first daughter who leads and mentors her younger siblings with a mini mom’s wisdom.
She is the best first child any parent could pray for…