Letting Go

As of April 6, 2014 I was no longer the mother of children. On that day our youngest, Anna, turned 18 and I became the mother of  just 'adults'. Yes, they grew up in the blink of an eye.......... who am I kidding, it took years to get here and some days felt like years (potty training, anyone?!) I've shed some tears this past month thinking about this milestone but in the end I just feel wonder and gratitude for this journey that we've all been on. Funny how a lot of my contemplation on children growing up and letting them go has been during Lent. Our special time to work on letting things go, giving things up and dying to self.  Made me think that Motherhood is one long Lenten exercise. I've been given the bittersweet privilege of loving someone so much but slowly letting them go for a greater good. A gift my mother gave to me.

It's with her example and the example of grandmothers, aunts, sisters and friends that have helped me muddle through. I'm also gifted with the mysteries of the rosary and Mary's 7 sorrows on how to love and let go. So here I sit the mother of adult children. Blessed and grateful for their part in my journey to heaven. Letting them go to journey there too.

Blessings, Carolyn

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