{Brooklyn} Letting Go & Letting Be

While playing at the park recently, Brooklyn met a little girl from

Argentina that took a liking to her. They ran around the park together,

climbing, sliding, and giggling. The sun was quickly setting and the

bustling park began quieting as families left for their homes. I started

talking to the little girls dad, intrigued by his Argentine

accent while meanwhile reminding Brookie that we had to go soon

because it was getting dark. The father commented that he was so happy

his daughter was talking and playing with Brookie and that he didn't

want to leave now. She rarely does that with other children at school,

he shared. He had such a gentle concern and also a moment of contentment

for his little girl.

It struck me in that moment the angst and concern we hold for our

children. It was such a bittersweet moment in that park and my heart

hurt a bit for his little girl too. We love and raise our children with

the best of intentions and the utmost care. But there are just some

things that are out of our control. We can only hold & protect them for

so long. And even at the young age of three, we release them to a

classroom or playground full of crazy toddlers and hope they will be

okay. Better than okay really. We hope they will be loved, respected,

and well cared for by others. But as reality would have it, we know that

is not always the case. I find myself worrying a lot lately. For all of

the things I cannot control and the moments I am not there. I'll never

forget something my older sister said to me while pregnant and worrying.

"Welcome to motherhood, you'll never stop worrying another day in

your life." There have never been truer words.

Even in the best of circumstances, raising a child is not for the faint

of heart. This quote always resonated with me..."Making the decision to

have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go

walking around outside your body." I feel like that most days. My

heart is literally beating outside of my body. But we have to believe that 

all will be okay. Because if we didn't...life would be a miserable mess.