Sweet Inspiration

Taking her home one day, my daughter said to me, "Until then". I was expressing my frustration by questioning her ability to get along in life without my assistance. I wondered out loud with her about how long it might take her to be fully emancipated. Yes, she was divorced and on her own with three kids, but it seemed to me that her reliance on my services needed to be curtailed. Her reply indicated to me that she would be utilizing me as long as I was available. I was deeply moved and inspired by her two words, "Until then". I came to realize in a personal and close-up way that 'her growth and maturity' was greatly linked to the word 'Then". Since then, I have been more aware that emancipation is a two-way process; and I am also allowing the 'Then Time' to come more sooner than later. Late one night after I had picked him up from work, my oldest son said, "Dad, I do not need you to be my news reporter". Those words were in response to my repeated attempts to 'remind him' of some of his obligations. In a very passionate tone, he was informing me that he was now an adult and no longer required such reminders. On that particular night, I was indeed the one being taught to 'grow up'. "Dad, you need to be more flexible". Such were the reply of my youngest son when I questioned his inability to return straight home after being sent on a mission. He was a new driver, and I was a 'worrier'. Up to that point, I was an A, B, C and 1, 2, 3 type of person. Now, I have learned to 'Chill'; and sometimes, I might even skip B, or forget about 3 and jump to 6. I thought 'Father knows best'. Not always. 03062017 PS Contest, Younger people who have inspired you, Brenda Chiri 101317, 2nd Contest, Parenthood, Silent One, 3P