Member-only story
Magical Creature Lessons: #23
This is the year the Oldest Magical Creature moved up to middle school. This is the year she began walking to said middle school with a group of neighborhood pals. This is the year she got her own phone. This is the year she’s nearly as tall as I am.
Watching your grandchildren grow into whole Humans is a profound experience. As a grandparent, I’m allowed to sit on the sidelines and watch as Nature urges each child to wider and greater independence. I watch them struggle a bit climbing out of their chrysalises. I watch as they test their wings. I watch them fly around to land safely at home as their world expands.
It is a familiar dance. I watched their mother and aunt go through many of the same challenges. And for this reason, I know how the story ends — Independent Adults. Humans completely capable of not only taking care of themselves, but also able to take care of each other, AND when called for — take care of the other Humans in their world.
Their journey on the road to independence started early in their lives. Each step along the way cheered and encouraged by the many Humans who adore them. All. The. Firsts. First laugh, first word, first time rolling over and crawling, first steps. First day of school and first sleepover will give way to first date and first car. And just like that —…
