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Letting Go

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This weekend our family faced a milestone (okay, so it was really Immy’s milestone but it was big for me and I am pretty sure Dad 101 felt the same). On Saturday, Immy had her first swimming lesson without Dad 101 or I in the pool. She has graduated to the ‘kindy 1’ class, the level where they have lessons in a small group with the swimming teacher as the only adult in the pool to watch over them. Admittedly, Dad 101 and I both hovered two or three footsteps away should we be required to assist (as if!).

Immy was ready. She loves the water. She is confident in and around the water (sometimes I think overly so). She is just like her Dad who will swim at the beach on a sunny day in Winter (strange, I know!). She was ready.

Me. Not so much.

I felt a strange lump in my throat. Tears hovered just behind my eyelids. This little step seemed like a huge leap to me. A moving away. She didn’t need me for this.

I know this will be the first of many times.

She had a ball. She was confident and happy. She listened and did what was asked.

And me. I took the first step in learning to let go.

Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.

Filed Under: Parenthood

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Read the comments or scroll down to add your own:

  1. homeage says

    October 11, 2010 at 11:20 AM

    Oh wow! What a big step! :)

    Sooo looking forward to that day, but we are not quite there yet. We missed a year of swimming lessons when I went back to work, but it i more that Princess doesn't listen and won't straighten her legs when she kicks.
  2. Mimsie says

    October 11, 2010 at 11:27 AM

    Oh Christie you have told that tale so beautifully and good on all 3 of you for behaving so well about it. I am so proud of you all and I think that little girl is going to love swimming just as much as her great-grandmother did (I didn't like the ocean though). xxx
  3. Little Billies says

    October 11, 2010 at 11:32 AM

    Your words helped me relive my moments of being removed from the pool :)....

    But I can remember to the feeling of great pride as I watched them and saw how confident and proud of themselves.

    I guess for me, dealing with those times will be trying to live it through their eyes, with their excitement, expectation, etc.... then it won't be so hard to let go (at least I hope!)
  4. Meek says

    October 11, 2010 at 11:33 AM

    awww Christie that made me tear up a bit.

    I am glad she enjoyed herself :)
  5. MissyBoo says

    October 11, 2010 at 1:02 PM

    Yay for Immy! And Yay for you in letting go :)

    Boo starts in the DEEP water on Friday, not just up to her neck or shoulders as has been the case to now but where she can't stand. I might be hovering a little too :)
  6. Ashleigh says

    October 12, 2010 at 4:25 AM

    Well done! I'm dreading the day when its my turn to hop out the pool. It's coming soon! I'll be brave though!
  7. Narelle Nettelbeck says

    October 12, 2010 at 5:01 AM

    I have really struggled to let go as each of mine have headed off to school. Mr 4 (my baby) is full time next year and I'm already dreading letting go!
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