Mother's Day and Letting Go Moments

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Motherhood is letting go...

by Lisa Hamer

From our babies first steps, the letting go begins. They begin to learn their independence and autonomy in those falling down moments. We let go when they start kindergarten as we wave a tearful goodbye, later as they enter high school, learn to drive,  and date. They leave for church missions, college, the military and/or eventually get married. We are called again and again, as mothers, to let go of our precious children and provide them the space to grow into the individuals we hope we have prepared them to become.

Exactly one year ago, my nineteen year old son joined the United States Air Force. This was his mission, his dream, and, as his mom, I wanted to be completely supportive. As the day of his departure drew near, I contemplated our journey. I remembered as a young mother holding and encircling my son in my arms as I learned that Godly love; A love like a loving Heavenly Father must feel for each of us. I must have been like the Grinch back then because my heart grew three sizes the day my first son was born. His fun exuberance as a child molded me into a patient mother who often went to bed exhausted in tears. But, turning I could see a grown man, strong and capable. In my letting go moment, I hugged him goodbye and smiled as he walked away. When he was out of view I wept with sadness for the little boy I would miss and in joy for the man he had grown to become. Because motherhood is about the joy, it has to also hold sorrow...without sadness, we can't know joy.

My second son is now approaching the time of his departure. He will be serving a Church mission for two years in Atlanta, Georgia. For me, this is another letting go moment. A lump grows in my throat, I don't want to do this again! Motherhood is about doing a lot of things we don't like. Changing diapers, cleaning up vomit, and, yes, letting go. It won't be much longer until I will turn this precious son over to the Lord to finish raising him into a man. And again I will weep...

I thank my Heavenly Father every day for my precious daughter who will keep my husband and I company for the next few years in the absence of her brothers.  But then, before too long, it will be her turn. And I will again be preparing to let go.  

Motherhood is letting go...