Independence

Whenever I think about characters I want to build up in Aidan and Zoe, independence inevitably pops up on the top of the list. It is for a selfish reason: when they are independent, they are not dependent of me.

To clarify, I don't mean that I neglect my children maliciously. I neglect my children benignly.

You want pants? Go find pants. If you can't find your pants, why do you think I would find your pants?!

You forgot to bring your hockey stick for practice? That is a bummer. Well, you better find someone who has a stick to lend you! It is not my job to bring your gear. It is your job.

Of course, I expect more from Aidan than Zoe. I mean, she is just nearly-five. Still, same rules apply.

You left your lovey at school? I am sure your lovey will have a great time at that sleep over. You are upset? Sorry, sweetie. It is not my job to remember to bring that home.

Tonight, we reached a new milestone. Hubby had gotten tickets to see the Sharks play, as a special treat for Aidan and him. In order for Aidan to make it there, Hubby needed to come up north, get him, then go south again. With the nutty traffic hour, that was going to be a colossal waste of his time. If I drove Aidan south to meet up with Hubby, I would then have to drive north to go home, which would have been a huge waste of my time, and Zoe's time. At least an hour of sitting. in. traffic.

So we decided to put Aidan on the train. Over break, I took Aidan and Zoe on the train to go to Daddy's office for lunch. Then, Hubby took Aidan on the train again, but didn't talk to him once they reached the train station- Aidan got himself on and off the train, when we went to church last Sunday. Of course, Aidan had some reservations about this. It didn't help, that as we drove to the train station, the news radio started to talk about an eight year old boy from San Francisco, kidnapped and missing.

I had told him that I would pray for an angel to help him. When we got to the train station, I saw this lady, Kate, and I knew, she would be the angel that God had sent for this. She graciously chatted with us, and helped Aidan to find a seat on the train, and said that she would be sure that he got off at the designated stop.

I saw them off, at 5:22, and at 5:48, Hubby had gotten the package.

I am so proud. So thankful of God's angels. I must also tell you the story of Gabriella, an angel we met in Munich, another day.

When Aidan and Zoe really leave us, I will probably regret making independence a priority. I will be eating those words...