Parenting: One Long Farewell

self insemination kit

The director of my children’s preschool once remarked, “Parenting is essentially one long farewell.” At that moment, she aimed to ease the worries of us anxious first-time parents who were entrusting our little ones to their first school experience. Her insight has lingered with me because she spoke the truth: parenting is an ongoing cycle of letting go and saying goodbye.

Milestones and Promotions

This week, my children reached new milestones. One transitioned out of elementary school while the other completed middle school. They don’t call it graduation since there are no diplomas involved, but “promotion” allows us to celebrate this important step in their lives.

I took the traditional promotion photos of them donning outfits that are likely to see the light of day only once. I captured a shot of Max as he joined the throng of 450 other middle-schoolers, many of whom I didn’t recognize. Unfortunately, I missed getting a picture of Zoe because we unknowingly sat on the wrong side of the auditorium. I shared the photos on social media with a playful nod to their growth, but truthfully, I feel a wave of emotion welling up inside me.

Growing Up

They are growing up, maturing, and becoming more aware of the world around them. They have lives that we no longer fully share, friendships that I may not know about, and feelings they sometimes choose to keep to themselves. Even when we are all under the same roof, they are drifting away, just as they should be, and just as we must allow them to.

In just four short years, my eldest will head off to college. Four years may seem brief, and I find myself saying things like, “Let me teach you this; it might come in handy at college.” To which they often respond with eye rolls, thinking I’ve completely lost touch. They don’t yet realize how quickly their time living at home will vanish.

The Long Farewell

This is part of that long farewell. It’s a phase of the journey that we anticipate—the milestones that mark their growth—but no one truly prepares for. We must learn to gradually let them take flight independently, as that is our role as parents.

While I understand this intellectually, my heart struggles to let go.

Reflecting on the Journey

This article was originally published on July 1, 2015. If you’re interested in more insights like this, check out one of our other blog posts about the journey of home insemination.

In summary, parenting is a heartfelt journey filled with moments of letting go as children grow and forge their own paths. From milestones like school promotions to preparing for college, every step requires a balance of joy and bittersweet emotions. As parents, we must embrace these transitions while understanding that our attachments will always remain.