The changing seasons carry strong symbols with them. So do the birds, their nests, singing and flying.
After the blooming summer days, it’s time for harvest. The bird nests have been left empty, as the newcomers have gathered enough courage. Their wings have become stronger day by day, finally taking them out to the world. Further and further.
It’s easy to guess what all this brings into the mind of parents, who are preparing their offspring for the departure. And to be honest, it’s not easy for them, either. Have we done enough as parents? Are our children well-equipped with knowledge, skills, and understanding to meet the challenges out there? We cannot keep the youngsters under our wings forever.
We have to trust and let our children live their own lives. Let them fly themselves. The essential part of parents’ guidance has been taken care of, well before the young ones even planned their departure. And luckily the warmth of the nest stays with them, even after the takeoff.
The love from one’s parents is nice luggage to carry when leaving home. Own choices are easier to make if you can count on the support of a loving home, even from a distance. Our children are lucky when they know that they are welcome home any time - but they are not obliged to return.
-
You Can Fly, Little Bird (Osaat lentää, lintu pieni / Du kan flyga, lilla fågel), text by Tuula Pere, illustrations by Alexandra Burda, Wickwick 2018