A "P" in the Post

I bought Rachel a Digital Camera for her Birthday. Some say it is a bit much for an Eleven year old. I didn't think so...it keeps her hands off of mine and gives her a chance, without me worrying what she may do to mine, to be creative and learn appreciation for what she photographs and for a little more of an expensive gift. She is doing well with it, but I have to suffer being in front of the camera instead of bringing up the rear.

Rachel is still a little girl, yes. But I am not going to do anything that is going to stifle her "growing" up. She needs to learn to make good choices, and she is only going to find out about making those choices if I give her the space to do so. Some freedom, within reason, to try out what she thinks/feels is for her. I am not saying to let the girl run amuck. I think I do pretty well with keeping the boundaries of acceptable behavior, but I am saying that she isn't going to be able to develop into her own person if I hold her down completely. Isn't that the point of parenthood? Laying a solid foundation so they can live their own productive and, hopefully, happy lives?

I don't like this feeling of letting go. Not even a little. I can't even imagine what it is going to be like when I have to let her go altogether, on her own. But I am not going to hold her back to save my own senses.

My daughter is also my friend. I want her to always be so, and remember that I always was.