My Girls

I have this idea of what I want for my girls. I want them to be well mannered. I want them to be educated. I want them to be exposed to the arts, to travel, to have a broad understanding of the world. I want them to be spiritually independent. I want them to be safe, but not scared. I want them to know beautiful cities and walk the streets at night with confidence. I want them to be at one with nature, to understand where food comes from, to never feel helpless. I want them to grow up and find companionship with someone who feeds their soul. I never want them to get hurt. Hmm. The voice of my wisest friend pops into my mind, "That's what YOU want, Alison."

Does this mean that I have to let go? Do I simply trust that the years at home will naturally equip them to make good decisions? Must I really accept that they will encounter disappointments, that they may break an arm, or experience heart ache? Is it actually possible that they will make choices in their lives that I won't agree with? Wow, no one ever told me about that part. I guess I have no choice but to relax. I suppose I simply have to have confidence that they will take the best from their surroundings. I shouldn't worry if the horse back riding lessons are not complimented with voice training. I must not be preocupied that the tender minds of my darling girls are not yet accustomed to the pace and intelect of a city. I should have confidence that their ideas of the world and priorities will be the best for them, no matter how different from my own. I need not let my thoughts stray to wonder what they will do when they leave home. All I can do is prepare them to leave the nest, and they will fly on their own.