allowing me to “be”

Me: “Hey Dad, just wanted you to know that you do a great job of letting us just ‘be’ who we are.”

Dad: “Thanks.  My own parents did not meddle as I chose my path.  I am sure they were paying attention, and growing up with them instilled values, standards, joy, deep confidence, and a humble sense of value—even greatness—in ourselves.  Yet, at times for all of us they stepped in to help when we needed it–like guardian angels.”

Me: “You are truly MY guardian angel.”

Seeing the way my father has gracefully navigated the turns of my and my siblings’ lives, these words are reminders of his deep-rooted wisdom.  Grace and this kind of wisdom come from allowing all those in our lives to “be” and trusting that the universe is unfolding exactly as it should.

This conversation was inspired by an article I sent him this morning from DailyOM called Allowing Our Children To Be.  Here are a few touching excerpts from the article:

• On the one hand, successful parenting requires that we love our children, and most of us love in a very attached way. On the other hand, it also requires that we let go of our children at the appropriate times.
• Letting go in any area of life requires a deep trust in the universe, in the overall meaning and purpose of existence.
• Remembering that there is more to us and our children than meets the eye can help us …even when we feel overwhelmed by concern and the desire to interfere.
• This allows them, and us, to fully realize the greatest gift parents can offer their offspring —independence.

Love you, Dad!
p.s. Jim Turner has approved this message (but not this last image!), tehehe