As my children graduate and grow up I remember my graduation day. I was so excited to move on to the next “grown-up” phase of my life. I call it “the state of independence.” I was no longer dependent on my parents for food, housing or money.
Of course, I knew my parents would never turn away anyone hungry including their daughter. My housing was their camper in the Grand Marais campground, and my money came from long hours waitressing at the Blue Water Café. There was a price for my independence. But I loved it and savored every minute. I had the best summer of my life.
I want this for my kids too. They are all finding their own state of independence. At the end of the summer, only one will live at home. Although with a job and school and friends I don’t think he will spend much time here. I imagine this will become a haven for his bed and a meal here and there.
Our daughter has found her state of independence traveling the globe. 2018 will be no exception as Australia is on the docket this year. It was said that my maternal grandpa had itchy feet. He moved about every seven years, my daughter moves about every seven months. This state of independence comes with a price as she cannot come home at the drop of a hat. But so far, her wanderlust had led her to some beautiful places meeting wonderful people.
Our youngest son will leave for college in a few short weeks. His state of independence will be living in a dorm room, eating cafeteria food and taking several classes a day. As this is his summer of independence he is leading a busy life, working long before I am up, sleeping at odd hours, and going out with his friends. This is my time of letting go. So, I guess it is a new state of independence for me too. As I am needed less and less by my children I will need to learn to enjoy my newfound freedom. Ah, the exciting phases of our lives!
“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” ~ Denis Waitley
Taste of Home columnist Sandy (Anderson) Holthaus lives on a farm in South Haven, MN with her husband, Michael, and their children Zoe, Jack and Ben. Her heart remains on the North Shore where she grew up with her parents, Art and LaVonne Anderson of Schroeder. She enjoys writing about her childhood and mixes memories with delicious helpings of homestyle recipes.
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