As soon as our homes sell, my father, sister and I will be moving across the state to Virginia Beach with my teenage son and setting up house together. This is an exciting move, tempered by the fact that my 16 year old not happy to be leaving his friends and familiar surroundings. The last 2 years have been rocky for him – losing interest in school, using marijuana and remaining stuck at a 13 year old level. So maybe a change will do him good? Maybe it’s time for him to take some steps out of his cocoon? It’s hard to know the “right” answer, and as a mom who has become quite proficient at addressing the needs of my children first and foremost, not knowing has caused some sharp anxieties to interfere with my enthusiasm.
But here’s where remembering what I DO know comes into play, reassuring me and giving me courage:
My heart tells me this move is right for me… Though strained at times, my son and I have a deep bond…. I have the skills and resources to respond to whatever challenges come up… My son is stronger than (even he) knows…
Sometimes when we climb out on a limb it helps to remember that deep roots have been growing over a lifetime to support the branches beneath us.
With love,
Mary Lou
