Being a parent is ……
Laying awake listening for the door to open
Knowing you can’t truly rest until the other part of your heart returns
Being a parent is ……
Setting a curfew for your teenager
Knowing at some point that your child will test the limit and forget how to tell time
Being a parent is ……
Allowing your child to mess up
In the safe cocoon of your home
Hoping they learn how to be a responsible adult
By enforcing consequences for their actions
Being a parent is ……
Having faith in a higher being to protect your heart
And releasing the breath you didn’t know you were holding
When you hear, “Mom, I’m home.”
2014 Michelle Rayford