Spreading their wings

My youngest son is away from home on a holiday by himself on the Gold Coast, Queensland. He is staying at a backpackers resort mixing with the international tourists. It is his first taste of independent travel and like so many young people these days, travel is on the radar.

We spoke last night on the phone and he told us that he misses home and that he loves us.

For a dad, this simple but rich experience is so valuable. Firstly to see your child spreading their wings, broadening their horizons and growing in their life experience.

And secondly to see them growing into the realisation that what they have at home is of great value.

Hanging on through the teenage years can be very painful for parents as we have experienced first hand. To see some light at the end of the tunnel, a glimpse that all will be well in their life and in your relationship with them, brings a deep inner joy and sense of hope for their future.

Letting go may not be easy, but seeing our children spread their wings toward maturity and adult independence is a rewarding part of the fatherhood journey.