The Struggle (parenting)

I was approached regarding advice about helping a teenager transition to adulthood. I indeed raised a bunch of kids and sometimes it simply felt like the goal was to ‘just survive’ and get through these years together. And sometimes it didn’t work out that way. I dug through some old writing and found this piece… I couldn’t help but revisit the feelings all over again. But I thought I’d share this parent’s point of view so others that they aren’t alone. Keep pressing in for another day. You will eventually get to the other side of this season.

…

The struggle is real.

I see you pulling away. Everything I do or say is wrong.

I gave what I could: a home, food, clothing, fun family adventures and most importantly… love.

If you’re pulling away and thinking that everything I gave was bad or wrong; if that is what it takes for you to grow and move into the next stage of life, then I release you. You are eighteen. I give you freedom to choose to stay or go.

I understand how difficult growth can be. I also know that someday, not far off into the future you will realize just what a gift it was that you were given. The sweet memories of the laughter and the life we shared will bubble up… up to the surface from where you stuffed them.

I can see that the strong words you use are just a wall you are building to protect yourself from remembering the good times so you can free yourself to move on.

You have my love, and I know that although you may not or perhaps choose to not say it, that you love me too.

So now I do my hardest work and that’s done on my knees, praying for you, my child. I also pray for all those young adults around me that are hiding in their own darkness. I pray for them to see the light and that they too will find their way once again.

I trust in the strength that I’ve been given from above. I trust that you will indeed find your way. In the meantime, my tears are being collected, my worn-out jeans have been patched, and I press on. You, my child, are worth it all. You are etched into my very being… you are mine and you are so loved!  <3 Mom

Blessings all.

~Debbie G

#LettingGoToGrow #adultingdoneright #ParentingIsHard #StrengthFromAbove

Proverbs 22:6