The second and last of my children enters the milestone
of walking. It is bittersweet for me because it heralds
the beginning of her journey towards walking on her own.
At first that walk is physical alone, but it will soon be
followed by mental, and spiritual separation from her father.
I know it's a good thing but it's a hard thing too. I want
my kids to reach their independence but I also selfishly
want them to stay my babies. You never forget the imprinting
they place on your heart when you pick up that warm squishy
thing in the hospital and place it in your arms. A part of you
always sees them that way and always wants to. So I savor
these last few weeks or months where she needs me for balance;
where she turns to me to help her walk. She may not know it,
but no matter how far she roams or how independent she becomes,
I'll always be ready to steady her when she needs me or catch her
when she falls.