The Hardest and Most Beautiful Thing I Will Ever Have to Do.

“They always raised me to fly the nest,” were the wise words of a friend when I asked how his parents felt about his travels. I was only twenty-five at the time, but that conversation stayed with me. I always thought it was such a beautiful description of parenthood.

And now I find myself at the end of my daughter’s last week of primary school, another pivotal step in her journey towards one day flying the nest. And the weight of that knowing hurts like nothing else can.

I remember her first day of primary school, walking her through the gates with her tiny hand in mine, apprehension in her eyes. On her last day, she confidently made that journey by herself, not wanting or needing me by her side and that’s exactly how it should be.

The push and pull of emotions as a mother are heart-wrenching. I could easily be the smothering mother who keeps her baby close, but then what would that mean for my darling daughter? No confidence, no independence, no belief in herself. So I do what I have to do for Nell, not for myself. I give her the space and opportunity to grow the skills she’ll need to eventually fly free.

Dominic and I are raising her to fly the nest in whatever direction she chooses and all we can do is be here when she needs us. The hardest, but also the most important and beautiful act we will ever undertake.

Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is loosen our grip. So maybe this week we can all ask ourselves could letting go just a little be exactly what’s needed?

Thank you for being here. Sending love and kindness,

Laura x