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Open Poetry #28
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Letting Go ...
| Open Poetry #28 |
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Letting Go ... |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada 
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Letting Go ... I watched him from a distance, as he packed his final things, My little boy was all grown up - he’d cut the apron strings; I knew that it would come to this ... someday ... sometime ... somehow ... Yet as I watched from far away, my mind screamed out, “Not now!” He may be ready, I debated, deep within my heart, But as his mom, I wasn’t ready for him to depart; I thought of all the time we’d spent throughout his growing years, As memories came flooding back, and I choked back the tears. His face flashed through my mind from darling infant to a man, Like photograph collages – they played out and then re-ran; The snapshots in my mind became a blessing and a curse, As every happy thought still somehow left me feeling worse. It seemed like only yesterday, I rocked him in my arms, A lifetime there in front of me to get to know his charms; I thought of all the milestones we had conquered on the way, First steps, first tooth, first words – Oh how I treasured every day. I thought of kindergarten, though so very long ago, The first of many tears that I would shed while letting go; I thought of Grade 8 graduation, high school and his prom, Remembering how proud I always was to be his mom. I thought of his first romance, and the day he took a job, (Those other times I’d found that I let out a quiet sob); Each time I tried to hide the little loss I’d feel inside, Yet with my mother’s loss, there was my special mother’s pride. I watched him from a distance and I knew the time had come, The final box was packed and yet I stood there deaf and dumb; I couldn’t speak ... my little boy was moving out today, Who would protect him from the hidden hurts along the way? He heard me sniff and turned to me, then saw my swollen eyes, Oh, how I couldn’t fathom how we’d say today’s goodbyes; He came to me and opened up his arms to comfort me ... That hug became the sweetest feeling there could ever be. I whispered I could not believe how quickly time had gone, My son just let me cry some more as I sniffed off and on; He told me that his memories were just like yesterday, And talked about our happy times we’d shared from day to day. I listened to him comfort me – he knew I wished him well, He also knew how hard it was to say goodbye as well; I sighed, “If you need ANYthing, you know that I am here.” “Don’t you think that I know that mom?” He said, and wiped my tear. There wasn’t too much more to say – he knew how much I cared, How much I loved my little boy ... and yes, we both were scared; We both would have a new perspective, all of that was true, But all the years of love we’d shared would somehow see us through. I knew there would be laundry days, and home cooked meals to come, For after all, there’s some things that can only come from mom; The best of those however, isn’t money, food or clothes, It’s making sure that in his heart, he surely, truly knows ....... That never is he far away, and always, I am here, To welcome him with loving arms or wipe away a tear; He is my little boy, who grew into a special man, And though it hurts to let him go ....... I knew that was the plan. /Kit McCallum |
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| © Copyright 2003 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Kit, It's even worse when you let girls go. Wonderful write did so enjoy.  |
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QjQ Member Elite
since 2003-04-18
Posts 3756U.S.A. |
when the day comes it is heart breaking to see them leave us,, but it's only for a time and they will return back, so what we do is hold them in our hearts till we can hold them in our arms,, you expressed this write very well,, |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
I recall a day I looked at my youngest daughter, then sixteen, and admonished myself to savor every moment - for our time together would pass far too quickly - I was right... It did... I was as sad as every line you've so brilliantly written here... I was advised at that moment - as she walked down the aisle - that I should be proud and grateful - that I had succeeded at my mission... I had raised her to be able to live independently from me. Some consolation that was, eh? But it was also true. She and her older sister are not far away to this day, though - and I'm doubly grateful for that... I love this poem, m'friend...  |
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Patricia Member Elite
since 2003-04-06
Posts 2160Missouri |
Kit, Tears are falling from my eyes with this. My son is at college, studying for the ministry. You made me trip the bygone. So much has changed since. I think I shall go hug my four year old little girl now. This is absolutely lovely. Patricia |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Seymour: Awwww, talking from the heart of a dear father, Sy. Thank you, my friend.  QJQ: “hold them in our hearts till we can hold them in our arms” What a lovely response QJQ, and so very true. Much appreciated. Nan: Smiling here. Your daughters and grand daughters are a treasure Nan. You did indeed, do a beautiful job in raising them and should be very proud. Hugs to you. Patricia: That means so much for me to hear … thank you. I’m glad your daughter was close by for a hug. Many thanks. With much appreciation to all, /Kit |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
 ....Saved before I forget to! I felt every loving line of this poem--for you--and for myself! I do not believe these feelings could have been expressed more eloquently--and effectively!--than you have just done, Dear Kit! When my youngest moved out (she has such an entrepreneurial and independent spirit!) I felt as though half my heart was gone. But we are now even closer! Just yesterday she said to me, "Mom, you're my favorite friend--and you're my mom! What we have is really special!" Well, I'm sure you can imagine how that felt! I'll never forget it!  It is sooooo hard "Letting Go", but all the love, guidance, and caring will, hopefully, prepare our children for flight away from the family nest. Your son will fly high and come home often--and with an even greater appreciation of you and how you have loved and provided for him since he was born. Kit, this is without a doubt one of the most touching poems that I have ever read. This is absolutely beautiful, as is your spirit. Loving hugs, Linda |
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El_Campeador Senior Member
since 2003-01-29
Posts 761Ohio, USA |
This is beautiful, Kit. Thank you for another wonderful poem from your heart as well as your pen. “We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best that we can find in our travels is an honest friend.” –Robert Louis Stevenson |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Earth Angel: Awwww, what a beautiful comment Earth Angel. You are indeed blessed with a lovely daughter. Her words are cherished, I can see. Thank you so much for the kind words. El_Campeador: Thank “you” for letting me know you enjoyed El_Campeador … I very much appreciate it. I should probably mention that unfortunately, I was not blessed to have children. Although this was written in first person, I actually wrote it for my sister, from her vantage. I’ve had quite few very sad phonecalls and e-mails over the last while, as she tries to come to terms with her oldest son moving out this weekend. He is a marvelous young man, and a nephew I absolutely adore. He and his brother are like my “surrogate sons”, and I’ve found myself in tears just talking to my sister and listening to her struggling with her emotions. Maybe I’ll send her this link with your comments when she’s ready, so she knows she’s not alone. With much appreciation to you both, /Kit |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
OhDearLady~ You've touched my heart~  My youngest son's birthday was Saturday, we spent a beautiful day together going through some special memories and my gift to him was a HUGE box memorabilia from the first 10 years of his life~ (many more to follow) We smiled, cried and hugged as I relayed the memoried time of each piece~ He loved it ... I loved it~ I'm sharing the beauty of your poem with him today ... I know it will mean as much to him as it does to me~ You're beautiful poetess~  *Huglets* ~*Marge*~ ~*When the heart grieves over what it has lost, |
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SharaRose Member Elite
since 2003-07-19
Posts 2501Somewhere out there~ |
Well I'm gushing here... My youngest just moved out 7 weeks ago, and these lines are the ones that really lingered for me--- my little boy was moving out today, Who would protect him from the hidden hurts along the way? Those among all the rest, but I think that's the one thing that hangs in the back of my mind ongoing all the time. Lovely one, and a heart-breaker, and yes one for the hanky, or kleenex box to be nearby.  Beautiful, SharaRose @-->-- Of sound, and speech let all lift the hearer! [This message has been edited by SharaRose (09-01-2003 10:28 AM).] |
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littlewing Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655New York |
Kit . . . this hits home My son starts school next week for the first time (aghhhhhhhh) Beautiful writing . . . xxoo |
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Aimster Member Elite
since 2000-02-19
Posts 4297Charlotte, NC |
beautiful beautiful poem dear Kit...and from the perspective of a child, it's equally as hard sometimes for us to "let go". you wrote this so openly and eloquently, had you not said it was about yourself, I'd have never known! You leave me speechless, as tears roll down my face. Hugs! Amy "love is like a butterfly-- |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
 I have this feeling that some day I will want to re-read this again, when my daughter goes on her own, which she WILL do some day. Heart hugs to you, Kit. |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Dear Kit I came to understand my child had become a man, when it was he that comforted me and not I that comforted him. Oh, how I felt this poem....I think every mother will...brought a tear of memory to my eyes for my own two grown boys. Thank you for this beauiful piece of your heart. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I would love to send this to my sister... if you wouldn't mind? *S* Her oldest has just left for college... and I don't think I've ever been prouder of him than I was as he teased his mom through her tears. This is beautiful, Kit... excellent work! *S* |
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Alnilam Member
since 2003-07-04
Posts 75 |
beautiful. im giving this to my mother to read, my brother just started college. its sad but letting go is a part of life, she is having a hard time but this might help. thanks for writting such a beautiful poem ~*Alnilam*~ |
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garysgirl
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
That never is he far away, and always, I am here, To welcome him with loving arms or wipe away a tear; He is my little boy, who grew into a special man, And though it hurts to let him go ....... I knew that was the plan. Kit, this is such a beautiful and loving poem. It really pulls at the heart-strings, lady. I certainly did feel it. By the way, Kit, I'll bet that your nephews think of you as their second Mom, too. Hugs to you and your sister Ethel [This message has been edited by garysgirl (09-01-2003 09:23 PM).] |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Kit, I would think of no greater fortune for a child than to have you for a mom. Your style, your class and demeanor, your intelligence and the way you respect and treat others...a child would have no choice than to grow up will all of the qualities needed to be a success in this life....and I can assure you that, as hard as it would be for you to let him go, it would be equally hard for him and, throughout his life, his happiest memories would be of his childhood growing-up days and what you gave to him.....there would never be a letting go - not in the literal sense - just occasional changes of address. I'm available for adoption  |
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SmartChick Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081On A Journey To The Unknown |
Kit, I know very well how you feel. I have two girls of my own. They are both grown, with kids of their own. |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Now you know I know this one from first hand experience, as you may have witnessed it. He is a grown man, a Dad, a Husband, and will always be my little boy, who thinks by the way, I am the best cook in the entire world. I sent this to Todd as a little way of telling him I loved him (courtesy of Kit), and he said, "Wow, did she write that? Boy, she writes good poetry, and what a great story!" I said, "She wrote the story of my life with you dummy!" but then, you didn't realize that did you when you wrote it, but it hit home big time. You did it again, and I even had mascara on this time! Fantastico Mrs. Kit. |
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Paul Wilson
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711United States |
Kit...So tenderly written from the heart of a loving mother. Cherish the times spent together and live for the phone calls or next visit. I call me children at least 2-3 time a week and visit as often as time allows and it still doesn't seem like we get to spend enough time together. Thanks so much for sharing your heart with us...Paul "To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you" [This message has been edited by Paul Wilson (09-01-2003 10:38 PM).] |
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angelblueyes Member Elite
since 2003-07-19
Posts 2148Oklahoma |
Oh wow!!!I'm going to keep this one. for I know the day will come when I'll have to let go and maybe with this in hand it will be a litle more comforting to do.You are a truly special lady Crystal |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
ahhh crap, someone pass the kleenex... |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
So very glad you took time out for yourself, and the sharing was good. Letting go is not easy, but the rewards of it for all is fine. for this! |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
 Just because I could and I should To close to my heart and every Mom out there, not be read over and over. So I did! |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Kit..this has to be your finest piece of work. Thank you...as it touched me deeply. ~Heart Hugs~ ~ Summer can't be over... |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
Oh that brought back the memories from the time my two girls moved out at the same time, the youngest was only 16 (she's now 29) But.....they did very well and we always tried to be there when they needed us (mostly for moving them to another room LOL, I think I lost count at 10 times:supergrin). Marvellous verse Kit, enjoyed it very much. Titia Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
I had to smile after reading this shortly after posting "Dancing To The Beat Of A Different Drummer"...Letting go can be so hard |
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vlraynes Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229Somewhere... out there... |
Kit...I read this a couple of days ago, but wasn't able to reply at the time. I'm back. As you know, I have not been blessed with children of my own either. I love all of my friends' children as if they were my own. They are each dear to me, and I have felt the 'letting go' with them as they have gotten older. Yet...I do know it is not the same is it would be with a child of my own. In reading your poem, though, I felt it as deeply as if I WAS letting go of my own child. I agree with 'Deer...any child would have been blessed to have had you for a mother. You are beautiful in every way. Love and hugs to you, my friend, ~Vicky If you judge people, you have no time to love them. --Mother Teresa [This message has been edited by vlraynes (09-08-2003 06:01 AM).] |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
(tears fall down my cheeks) Oh Kit, though I'm not a parent yet, I know this feeling ever so much, and I always think about how my mom must feel herself as I grow older so I always give her a hug to let her know how much I love her and that I will always be her little boy and promise her I will make her proud and be true to myself and never forget what she taught me and how she is my best friend! (big hugggsssssss) When I have to let go, I honestly don't know how I am going to accomplish the transition but the one thing I don't want to do is break her heart and make her feel warm and comforted inside instead! (wipes tears) Know always that your son will always love you and just because he may be out of the house now doesn't mean he'll ever let go of you, for he will always be your little boy and you will always be his best friend and loving mother! (big hugggsssssss) Your heart is so loving and strong, sweet friend, God Bless You, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Kit, thank you for sharing! May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton I don't need no proof when it comes to God and truth |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Kit, I get excited just to see you have posted and then it always touches my heart more than I've grown to expect. Odd such tender painful moments can be filled with so much pride. I remember those days well and only a few days before that I remember my mom not letting go of me. Thank you for bringing such wonderful memories to mind by sharing yours. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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Tara Simms Hall Member
since 2001-11-07
Posts 87South Carolina |
Oh, Kit, this is wonderful. I have two little boys...part of me can't wait til they're grown men and taking on the world and another part doesn't want to have to let them go. |
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kayjay Member Elite
since 2002-06-24
Posts 2015Oregon |
As my grandson moves into adolescence, my daughter misses his young childhood. I tell her how I felt when she did the same... and how it will be when he is an adult. She gives me a funny look..and the tears seep out. Thank you for such a gifted phrasing of this moment for all parents. Ken J. Through rubble and trouble and dark of night |
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Sunnyone Member Ascendant
since 2000-07-06
Posts 5334Staffordshire, England |
He is a very lucky young man, and will give you back all the joy and love that you have given him in his years....thank you for posting this beautiful tribute to your son here...~S~ Accept these small gifts from my gypsy heart ~~S~~ |
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