I am so happy to see you. You know I always love your visits.

Thank you, I know you do. I should visit more…

You seem like you have something on your mind…?

Is it that obvious?

It is to me. It was an eventful time, wasn’t it?

Um…I’m not sure…

Having a family? Raising children? That is what’s on your mind, isn’t it?

Well, yes…there WAS so much, actually.

And now you’re wondering if you did everything you could. You’re wondering if you did enough of the right things and, hopefully, not too many of the wrong things. You’re wondering if it’s really over, if they’re truly grown and responsible for themselves. And you’re wondering what you’re supposed to do next.

Uh…yes…I guess that pretty much sums it up…

What did you learn, my child?

I tried to teach them well, teach them about you. I really tried. I mean…I think I did…

But what did you learn?

I know I didn’t teach them enough. I know I didn’t prepare them well enough. And now they’re grown, and it’s too late, and…

Shh…my child. What did YOU learn?

I don’t understand. I was supposed to be teaching them, wasn’t I?

Of course you were. But that doesn’t mean that you weren’t learning at the same time. So what did you learn?

Oh…well, I learned a lot about joy. I learned a little about heartache. I learned how strong love can be.

You’ve made a good start.

A good start? But wasn’t I supposed to be done? I was the parent, the adult…

Are you not still my child?

Yes…

Then keep learning. Stay close to me, and let me teach you. That is what you do next. There’s still so much ahead.

It seems pretty simple when you put it that way…

Come to me with your worries anytime, my child. You know I always love your visits.