I am just going to put this out there.
I am a nervous wreck!
As a parent, or even as a parent substitute, we find at times our children do things that concern us. We want to teach them autonomy so we encourage them to make their own decisions. When they are younger we can intervene in those decisions and direct them before disaster occurs. As they get older those chances for intervention become less frequent and we can only rely upon the years when our influence mattered to come through.
It happens with friend choices. It happens when your teenagers starts to drive and "go out" on the weekend. I must be currently feeling what my parents felt when I went off to college. Of course, we do not let our children know how concerned we are. We want to give the illusion of support. But you all know, we don't sleep till they get home, we can't think of anything else until we hear from them.
As you may recall, I introduced you all to Miss Medical Student here. She is not a birth child but I have grown to see her as someone I care a lot about and consider her to be a part of my family. She is incredibly smart and compassionate. And...she is ridiculousness independent. (I have lots of theories about how that independence has developed but those are her stories and not mine to share.) But I am going to guess, she has no idea how deeply a parent can worry about their children. She has probably never experienced that.
Well, Miss Medical Student has decided to travel and study abroad. She left yesterday at 1310 for Norway, where she will be for the next 2 1/2 weeks. I know she is a grown adult, but I am out of my mind worrying about her. Did she make it there? Is she safe? Is all okay? I know I am probably just being a "worry-wart" but I can't help it.
On one hand, I am so excited she gets this opportunity. On the other hand, I have to wonder, "What was she thinking!" So, I am a nervous wreck!
Bear with me folks. I might be talking to you. I might be listening to you, And in one small second, I might let my thoughts wander back to Miss Medical Student. And the choices our children make!
I am a nervous wreck!
As a parent, or even as a parent substitute, we find at times our children do things that concern us. We want to teach them autonomy so we encourage them to make their own decisions. When they are younger we can intervene in those decisions and direct them before disaster occurs. As they get older those chances for intervention become less frequent and we can only rely upon the years when our influence mattered to come through.
It happens with friend choices. It happens when your teenagers starts to drive and "go out" on the weekend. I must be currently feeling what my parents felt when I went off to college. Of course, we do not let our children know how concerned we are. We want to give the illusion of support. But you all know, we don't sleep till they get home, we can't think of anything else until we hear from them.
As you may recall, I introduced you all to Miss Medical Student here. She is not a birth child but I have grown to see her as someone I care a lot about and consider her to be a part of my family. She is incredibly smart and compassionate. And...she is ridiculousness independent. (I have lots of theories about how that independence has developed but those are her stories and not mine to share.) But I am going to guess, she has no idea how deeply a parent can worry about their children. She has probably never experienced that.
Well, Miss Medical Student has decided to travel and study abroad. She left yesterday at 1310 for Norway, where she will be for the next 2 1/2 weeks. I know she is a grown adult, but I am out of my mind worrying about her. Did she make it there? Is she safe? Is all okay? I know I am probably just being a "worry-wart" but I can't help it.
On one hand, I am so excited she gets this opportunity. On the other hand, I have to wonder, "What was she thinking!" So, I am a nervous wreck!
Bear with me folks. I might be talking to you. I might be listening to you, And in one small second, I might let my thoughts wander back to Miss Medical Student. And the choices our children make!
Oh, Miss Pam. One of my own Miss Medical students (my baby) spent a term studying abroad, so I can entirely relate! I don't know if your Miss is alone, but probably there are others from her school, as well? My Miss had a great experience and a great time, so I'm sure yours will, too. What an opportunity, and you know if you were in her shoes (or boots, hopefully in Norway) you would pack it up and go!! She will be enriched. And if she reads this...drop Pam a note now & then!!
ReplyDelete--deb t
OMG! I know exactly what you mean! When my son went to Italy I was worried sick and nervous until he called everyday. Abroad is so unpredictable these days. I will pray for her and that returns home safel and sound.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand girl...having grown children of my own...and some step children floating around too, can cause havoc on ones nerves.
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