I don't remember the exact date, but I do remember the setting. I was watching "Fiddler on the Roof" for the umpteenth time in our living room in Santa Margarita. For years I had identified with the daughters and wondered why Teyve couldn't see how much they were in love and how he couldn't really control change anyway, so why not give his blessing? Now as I sat watching I thought "How can his girls tear out his heart like that? Don't they understand how much he loves them and wants the best for them?"
I knew I had crossed the Rubicon. There was no going back. I was a parent.
What I didn't know at the time was that my own children would choose, and be chosen by, wonderful adults who love Jesus and love my kids. I didn't know that I would grow to love and appreciate the people my children would marry. I certainly hoped that would be the case, (and I certainly planted those seeds early and often) but I know how uncertain life is and how wonderful and challenging free will is.
Last Friday my son proposed to his girlfriend and we couldn't be happier with his choice. She is everything he needs and he treasures her (and shows it). Turns out your kids don't have to rip your heart out. Sometimes they just break it gently by growing up.
1 comment:
It's amazing how attitudes and worldviews that once seemed so obviously the right way to view things change dramatically when you get some miles on you. I'm hoping that when (and if) i get to be 80 years old, I don't look back at me at 50 and have the same opinion of myself that I have now looking back at me at 30.
I think that makes sense.
Speaking of crossing rubicons- I got my first AARP junk mail today. I guess I'll never be hip again.
ALL POWER TO THE GEEZERS!!
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