Whether you are professor Atkin looking upon John Galt, Francisco D’ Anconia, Ragnar Danneskjöld (from Atlas Shrugged, the book you must read if you haven’t) or you are the local army coach about to send Milkha Singh off to the big leagues(I don’t much like the movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag) or you are a mother seeing off your kid to pre school the very first day (wonder how this feels)..
You were or rather are his inspiration, but now it is time for him to go do his own thing. You can see him spread his wings and soar high. And you can revel in how you inspired his flight.
But, the rest he has to do on his own. Give him stength so he carries on alone. Don’t be sad if he cannot look back. Just make sure he is forever on the right track.
We tend to want to define our prodigy, but the only definition we can truly give is to ensure they are free to do there own thing. Don’t feel unwanted because your son can ride his bike on his own or you daughter now has a phone. Your daughter dreams because she read the books you kept at her bedside; your son wants to grow up and be a drummer because you bought him his first plastic xylophone. You are the one who defined their foundation and made them strong to choose their own path.
Technically you are strong, a mentor renown. And now your mentee seems to want to work on an independent project. Does not necessarily concede to your timeline, but that should not leave you even a little dejected. He is who he is and a part of you remains in who he is.
Be happy you got a chance to inspire someone. Now its time to enjoy what does achieve your precious one. You are always a fond memory. You are an ingrained poetry.
Now its time his life took its own trajectory. In his own unique way will he make his own unforgettable history. And I promise, you will be an integral part of that story.
This is lovely Rhea. Thanks. I am on the verge of entering that stage now. But just not yet. A few more years and then there would be no excuse to stop her. I still clearly remember that day when I left her at school the first time. Was supposed to pick her up in a couple of hours. I didn’t feel like going home. I just wandered about in the school area till it was time. It was just day before yesterday, wasn’t it? 😀 Oh well …
Thanks Rhea. Those are really some inspiring, comforting words up there. 🙂
Thank you Durga di.. Am in a place where am both dependent on someone and adult now, So felt like reminding this to myself in both respects. Soni will be her own person and she will be lovely. Haha.. when she has kids naniji Durga can tell them how she dropped their mother to school the first day!
very nice thought piece, rhea. to be a parent and know what’s the right ting to do, one of the most didffivcult yet joy giving things… i so agree, it’s your job (almost) to help your child find the right path, but once you sense it’s in place… let go… let her or him fly… let them fall if need be… just love them and hopefully they’ll know you’re always there. parents also try to influence kids to go with choices they make, not the child… i somehow feel that is not right. the greatest joy, when you find yourself, just as hopefully you child will. i too didn’t care for bhag milkha… loved your ponder. wondered what brought it on.
Am always quite nervous posting such pieces. Feels personal and obviously everyone thinks differently. So, thank you so much for saying it made sense and triggered some thoughts in you too.
Haha what brought it on.. I actually wrote this last year when I was mentoring an intern. He was really good and soon I had to remind myself to step back. Now when am trying writing and trying new things I was thinking about the luxury of having the freedom to make one’s own mistakes.. Realized this post is still relevant and always will be in every phase of our lives.
absolutely must make one’s own mistakes… i never did learn from watching others… always made a mess then maybe learned something. love thought pieces. i find myself injecting mine here and there.