“To our children we give two things……One is roots, the other is wings”–Anonymous

I love this quotation. The meaning is timeless. No matter the age of our children, it always applies.

I recall when my son was a baby and attempting his first steps on his own. How I yearned to reach out and catch him rather than let him fall! But he soon mastered the art of walking.

And when my daughter was young and terrified of the water, I questioned my decision to register her for swimming lessons. But here she is, only days after starting the classes.

As the years went by there were more and more wings as my children grew and declared their independence. They learned to ride bicycles, obtained drivers’ licenses and eventually moved away from home.

I now live in Mexico thousands of miles away from my children in Manitoba and Ontario. While I bask in the sunshine, they brave blizzards and -50 degree windchills. I realize that to worry about them is pointless, as I have no control over the elements.

And yet the other day I found myself writing an email to my 33 year-old son advising him to take boots and warm clothing as he was headed to Atlantic Canada on a business trip in the wake of horrendous stormy weather there.

Not too long ago, Ontario had a crazy ice storm and there were power outages everywhere. When I finally was able to contact my daughter, she informed me that they were on their way to Toronto to pick up a new fridge. Shivers rolled up and down my spine as I silently prayed that the highways would be clear.

“Wings, Karen, give them wings!” I remind myself. They are adults and can function very well on their own. But in my  eyes, my children will always be my babies forever, no matter how old they are. Perhaps someday when they have children of their own, they may better understand my feelings.

Yes, my children often accuse me of being overprotective and worrying about them too much. And although they may humor me regarding my anxieties, deep-down I think they do appreciate my concerns for their well-being. And here are some more wings for them in the hope that they continue to soar peacefully through life……….

A