Ava Grace's Closet: Letting Go
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Monday, June 11, 2012

Letting Go

When you decide to have children, you never really think about a time where you will have to let go. 
It feels as though they will always be little, always be dependent on you.
And then, boom...they're teenagers.
This past Friday, Isabella went to the local mall alone with two of her friends.
I know I need to let go but it is so hard.
I find my mind works overtime.
I worry about her going to the bathroom alone. Make sure you all go together.
I worry that men will stare at her. Izzy, there are bad people in this world. And men that prey on little girls. Be careful. 
I worry that other girls in the mall will pick a fight. If you see a group of teenagers looking for trouble, don't stare. Look down. Look away. 
I worry too much.
She is going on her first BIG school trip this year for eighth grade graduation.
3 days and 2 nights away in our nation's capital, Ottawa.
I know she will be fine but still
She's my baby. She will always be.

I tell her all the time that everything I do, I do because I love her so much.
I tell her that no one will ever love her like her mama and daddy do.
I tell her we always just want the best for her.
When she was little, I would always say "I love you more than..."
And she would finish off the sentence by saying "anything in the whole wide world".
I love you Izzy, more than anything in the whole wide world. 

23 comments :

  1. Dearest Susan,

    You are so right... It is hard to let go and especially into a world, we at times cannot trust. God forbid if anything would ever happen to her, or to her friends.
    But she will be smart enough and knowing how solid her foundation of true parental love was/is, she will handle things the right way.
    Hope Izzy will enjoy her first BIG trip to the capital Ottawa. We did love Ottawa very much on our trip.
    Love to you,

    Mariette

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  2. What a super sweet post, and she is just gorgeous. I'm in denial that my kids will ever be teenagers! ;)

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  3. I am such a worrier, which means that I will really have to teach myself to let go when my boys get older. Good for you for giving her the chance to spread her wings!

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  4. What a sweet post. I am not there yet, and I am not looking forward to it. When they grow up and don't really "need" us the same anymore. I look at my 3 year old playing with his trucks on the living room floor and smile, and see my 19 month old playing with puzzles. Such sweet boys that one day will be men. Oh boy! ;) Until then, have to soak it all up.

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  5. Oh, can I relate to this. My older dd is graduating and the younger one starts high school this fall. If it hadn't been for my husband, I would probably have wrapped them in bubble wrap and never let them do anything. As it is, many parents think we are too liberal with our children, but we have a policy of allowing them freedom until they abuse it at which point we will take it back. I have been pleasantly surprised to find that, given a choice, my girls err on the side of conservative with things like curfews. Who knew? Oh, and those other parents? Their kids are now so rebellious. Freedom is definitely important, so long as they know it is a privilege. Sorry, I didn't mean to get on my soap box! Your daughter is beautiful.

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  6. Such a sweet post! You sound like a great mom!

    www.daisyraeboutique.com
    www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com

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  7. I see why you worry - she is crazy gorgeous.
    My baby is only 3 months and I am already upset that he is starting to need me less. I can only imagine haha!

    And could it be so? Another blogger from Ontario???

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  8. I'm already scared about the kiddos growing up and one is 3 and the other is still cookin' in my tummy. Haha!

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  9. They do grow up so fast and I am sure when I reach that point i will have trouble letting go as well. Ottawa though is much safer than our 8th grade trip to Toronto. I am sure she will be fine and just think of the great stories she will have to share with you when she gets home.

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  10. it will not be easy.. You are her one and only best friend! Mother first..

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  11. She's so beautiful, Susan! I would worry too - but it sounds like you've done a great job with her.:) She's going to do great out there in the world!

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  12. I can hardly let my Little Chef's go anywhere! I can't imagine what it will be like years from now when I am at your point. It's glad to know I'm not the only one who worries so much.

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  13. I am DREADING letting go! I'm having a hard enough time with the transition to a toddler bed from the crib. Sigh, I now it's coming!

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  14. well well well...great post..! letting go is so hard...I haven't even begun :(

    I guess we just have to trust that we raised then right and instilled values that they will keep.

    p.s. she is beautiful!!!!!

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  15. Great post!!! She's gorgeous and I'm terrified!!!!!!

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  16. she is lovely.

    my son, who just finished 8th grade, went his first school over night (3 days, 2 nights, to an island) a few weeks ago. it was hard to let him go, my baby. once he got back seeing how he lit up and hearing all the good reports on him totally blessed me! i hope your girl's trip is a fun adventure for her and you, and that there will be much delighting happening when she returns.

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  17. sure is hard, even more when you can't control what other kids do. my daughter has been wanting to go to the mall with her friends for a while now. (the others have been going alone for some time now). i haven't agreed yet.

    i know they will be fine, though :)

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  18. Kids do grow up so fast!!

    I think this is my first visit to your blog, please stop by my blog and say hello as well and become a follower if you aren't one already at http://jessicaslilcorner.blogspot.com

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  19. Aaaackk!!! I'm going through the same thing!!! I'm trying to let go a little bit at a time, but sometimes I freak out! So hard to be a mom sometimes!! I just have to try and teach and pray for their protection. Your Izzy is so beautiful!!

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  20. With 2 boys, I'm always fearful of the bathroom issue since I can't go in! And yes, I still take them into the ladies room if needed. I guess a t every stage, we have to let go and hope. Hang on momma!

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  21. she is so gorgeous!!!! My daughter is only 15 months and I am already worrying about her well being...I dont even want to think about her being a teenager :D

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  22. your daughter is a doll! and i'm sure she'll have an amazing fashion sense like mommy! :)

    xxoo,
    j

    FOLLOW ME AT WWW.JACIELAND.BLOGSPOT.COM

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I love reading every last one. Thanks so much for stopping by our little blog. xo.