By Staff
Melissa Cason, Franklin County Times
Jimmy and I have had a very unusual week this past week.
For the first time in almost seven years, our home has been empty and the sounds of our children playing is absent because they went to Louisiana to visit my brother, Robert, for a week.
Our boys really wanted to go, and Robert really wanted them there, so we decided to let them have their first taste of freedom – or at least freedom from us.
While it was difficult having my boys away, I know that they need time to gain new experiences and to have fun without mom and dad looking over their shoulders.
I am happy to report that they were very well behaved, which makes me feel that I must have done something right as a parent.
This past week, Jimmy and I have heard from critics who would not have let their children go so far away, but we know that our children have been safe the whole week, and that must let go so that they can stand on their own two feet.
This letting go, which is very hard, is the best thing for them. Without us letting go, they cannot become good, productive citizens, and they will never be independent.
I love my children, and only want the best for them.
I think this first trip is the first of many trips in which they will make their own memories like I did when I was growing up and went to visit my cousins in Alabama.
Some of those memories are the best of my life, and if it weren't for me visiting relatives, I would not have met my husband and had these wonderful children.
While letting go is not easy, it certainly is worthwhile.
I am just glad that I don't have to let go completely right now. I know there will come a time when it will be necessary, but right now I am going to cherish the time I have left with them, and pray for the wisdom to know when I need to let go completely.