When my daughter, Sarah, was three years old, we were driving along and she pulled up the lock button on the car door. I said, “We need to keep the door locked because it could open and you might fly out.”
She turned to me with huge blue eyes and said seriously, “But Mommy, I don’t know how to fly.” Her expression and the sound of her voice that day have stayed with me for twenty years. It is a sweet memory.
Last weekend, Sarah called me to tell me about her road trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She loves driving and has traveled around the country extensively. She is a fearless person with healthy self-esteem and self-confidence. She will drive any vehicle anywhere and never seems to have doubts in her abilities.
To my knowledge, Sarah has driven cars, trucks, boats, a jeep, a Gator, a four-wheeled RV, and jet skis. She’s gone rock climbing, skiing, kayaking, worked as a park ranger, and successfully defeated an assailant. She is currently interning in community corrections at the county court to finish her college degree.
She has done many things that have scared me and she has emerged triumphant, with stronger self-esteem and self-confidence. A person of diminutive stature, Sarah stands a mere 4’11” tall. Measured in courage and talent, however, she towers over giants. Shaking off my best efforts to protect her, Sarah has learned to climb and yes, to fly. Her accomplishments have banished my fears and filled me with pride.
I used to wonder why God chose a goof like me to parent such an extraordinary child. My daughter taught me the answer. She was sent to me as a gift because God knew how much I needed to grow and learn. He sent me the perfect teacher.
It’s my belief that parents need to give their children roots and wings and the self-confidence to use them. When it’s time to let them fly, we butt out and let ‘em soar. This is easier said than done, but my wonderful daughter has proven that she has got what it takes and I believe in her. She is my hero.
“When you have come to the edge
Of all light that you know,
And are about to drop off into the darkness
Of the unknown,
Faith is knowing One of two things will happen:
There will be something solid to stand on or You will be taught to fly.” —Patrick Overton
You’ve got your wings, now, Darling, so spread them wide and keep them strong. Remember, you’re carrying a piece of my heart with you.
