Caring Heart: Independence

This weekend marks a time when the citizens of what would become these United States of America worked to achieve independence from a country that had been their "parent." So I choose this meditation about our children moving toward that same milestone as individuals.  

Getting Ready for Independence

They are getting better at it.  Little by little they are gaining the skills to be independent.  The more independent they can be, the less they are at risk of someone taking advantage of them.  That someone will try to control them.  That control will evolve into risk, fear or abuse.  They can now cook a mix of lunches and suppers.  They can make a grocery list and stick to it.  They can make deposits, and yes, withdrawals from a bank.  They can check the oil in a call and know to call road service if they get a flat or break down by the roadside.  They can figure out which toilet paper on the shelf is cheapest and still decent quality.  They know what secrets to keep and when an adult must be told, when to do it themselves and when to recognize the need for help.  They know courteous people are better liked.  The know the importance of preparation for work, for school, for life. They may not always use their skills, they they have them.  They may not always choose the good choices, but they know the difference and the consequences. They are almost ready.  Many people never even come close. This has been a long journey, sometimes fun, sometimes hard, often painful, but they are almost there.  Thank you.

  

"The Caring Heart Speaks: Meditations for foster, kinship, and adoptive parents" by Gail Underwood Parker   Artwork by Anna Parker David from the book cover.