Our son Ben recently graduated from high school, and is heading out into the world today. Panama then Paris for almost a month. He is with his girlfriend Nathalie and her parents for the Panama part of it, then he will be only with her for the Paris part. He is 17 going on 30 in some ways. In other ways, my wife and I think he is going on 14. Not really, but sort of because we realize that there is so much for him to learn. The world is a wonderful, but scary place. And he’s just a kid. How will he survive out there on his own in the big bad world without us?
We have spent the past several weeks helping him prepare. Making sure he has everything he could possibly need, and that he has thought through every possible scenario. Drilling into him all the tips and life experiences we can think of. Preparing him for every possible “what if” scenario.
I won’t lie. I am anxious and worried—my default state. I know…this is wasted energy, but I can’t help it. That’s what parents do. And yet, now that he has gone this uneasiness is subsiding. Not exactly peaceful, but certainly not as intense as it was leading up to his departure. A little more settled now.
The truth is, we have been helping him prepare for this moment his whole life. We have taught him everything we know. Given him all the tools we can think of. We have guided him as best we can. And he has taken all these life experiences and evolved into a unique and interesting young man. Ready to take his show on the road. Capable of meeting the challenges that will come his way. It’s up to Ben now.
He may not approach life the way I have, but that might not be such a bad thing. Most of my life has been lived in fear of what’s out there. At 48 I’m only starting to break free of that prison.
He will surely stumble. He will surely fall. Just as we all do. But that’s what life is all about. I need to trust that he will somehow figure things out and find his way, just as we all do.
I am learning that the only way he will create his story, is for us to let him go.
And perhaps in the letting go, there will be peace.
servingothersblog.com 
Jonathan, a thoughtful post about something important.
Many of us- me included- are too enmeshed in our children’s lives. We thought being a good parent meant always being there for the kids when sometimes we do best not being there. Letting go must be our goal.
Good for you and Ben’s mom. And wishing fun and safe journey for Ben.
Tom
Thanks Tom….you’re right…often the best thing we can do is NOT be there. There must be consequences to their actions, that they feel and take responsibility for, for there to be any meaningful learning.
Jonathan, it sounds like you and your wife have been doing your best at what great parents do…and that’s all you can do. I bet Ben will do just fine exploring the new world of darkness and light and everything inbetween. Just remind him every now and then (if needed) that he IS Love (that can embrace and raise negative energy) and Light (that can diminish darkness). He will grow mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually from ALL his wonderful adventures in life, build character, and remember more and more of his Higher Self and his power within as long as he chooses to spiritually evolve. He seems to have a head start with such positive and loving parents….what a beautiful blessing. 🙂