There comes a time when a parent must let their child go off and travel on their own without parental chaperone or other adult assistance. It happened to me less than 48 hours ago. My 16 years old daughter boarded a night plane. Destination: Paris, France. She will be spending Christmas and New Year in the City of Lights and Maitre of all things sugary. This was not going to college, for a job interview, nor undergoing a special medical procedure.....it was during her winter break from high school. Lucky girl. Nice mom....
Being the parent, I was more nervous than she. I'd categorize her as an indoor cat. Isolated, protected, not certain of her survival skill....I fear on her own, she may end up being on the news. CNN's Headline: American Girl found in gutter near Eiffel Tower. (there is no gutter near Eiffel Tower) Dependant, lazy, and detached...she leaves everything to me when we are traveling together. So, when the opportunity arose that she could travel by herself, needless to say, I was quite weary.
Her grandmother and I took her to the airport. On the drive to the airport, at the airport, and while waiting with her in the airport, she received a mega dose of lectures, speeches, instructions, and warnings. We accompanied her until she enters the plane and the sight of her was no more.
Inside I was very excited and happy for her as I can imagine for a young girl traveling to the most gorgeous city in the world and without the annoying mom and micro managing granny....this is her first taste of freedom and adulthood. Bonjour Paris....!
As a mother nevertheless, I still needed to give the appearance of genuine concern and harrass her one last time until I see her again in 10 days.
I am confident that she will be fine. She has no choice. I am not there to help her. She must grow. Traveling alone does that....
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment