letting go is one of the most difficult tasks of life

an old friend gave me a present once
it is a poem written on a yellow piece of paper
shaped like a kite
it hangs on the side of the chiffrobe on the back porch
when my dolls were young it hung on the side of the white pantry shelf in my old kitchen ~ always close ...
i find it strange that she thought this was so relevant some 15 years ago, when our children were so little;
because it is only today that i have ever found comfort in it and i guess i always knew that this day would come

You run with them until you are both breathless.
They crash ... they hit the roof ...
you patch, comfort and assure them that someday they will fly.

Finally, they are airborne.

They need more string, and you keep letting it out.

They tug, and with each twist of the twine,
there is sadness that goes with joy.

The kite becomes more distant,
and you know it won't be long
before that beautiful creature will snap
the lifeline that binds you together
and will soar as meant to soar
... free and alone.

Only then do you know that you have done your job.

~~ Author Unknown ~~