Out on a Limb
An acquaintance and I were sharing time this summer. The conversation got around to our families. We no longer live across the farm section from each other. Life partners may take our children to destinations that we never even thought of. It may not only be geographical but also following pursuits of the heart.
I was reminded that some of the most savory fruit of a tree is out on the farthest limb, away from the trunk. Hmm.
It takes belief in self when our children strike out to get to tip the of the limb to take what is perhaps one of the sweetest moves of their lives. Staying close to the trunk doesn’t pose too many risks. In time, the “what ifs” and the “if only” may cause regrets. Staying close to the safety of the trunk may cause them to loose out what they were destined to for their happiness and contentment.
I have forgotten . . . where I am at right now on Stauffer Avenue, is the result of me going out on a limb many years ago.
As my children face choices as to which limb is of their choosing, and that choice may change in years to come, their vision of their limb is very personal and individual. I can do for Carrie and Kevin just what my parents did for me. Raymond and Lena gave me their unconditional loving support. Love, support and trust from me . . . it’s here for them. Their happiness . . . wasn’t that the goal when they left the nest?
My nest, out there on my very own limb, will always be there for them to visit for soaking up that little bit of extra nurturing that is timeless.