Letting go of Children - Kite Poem

[Hellion]

A friend told me she had read a poem about letting your children go being like flying a kite....but she couldn't remember what it was called or who it was by.

Any one recognise it? Thank in advance.

[Mishc]

I recognise it. I cant think where from though.

[paulcheng]

The author was Erma Bombeck. I have the poem you looking for give me your e-mail

[paulcheng]

My daughter Michelle is in Grade 12 and I am putting up this one in her year book to share with all the parents. I'll add on "our job is done, and the obligation still on"

Children are Like Kites

You spend a lifetime trying to get them off the ground.
You run with them until you are both breathless.
They crash. They hit the rooftop.
You patch and comfort, adjust and teach.
You watch them lifted by the wind and assure them that
someday, they will fly.
Finally, they are airborne;
They need more string and you keep letting it out;
But with each twist of the ball of twine,
There is a sadness that goes with joy.
The kite becomes more distant and you know it won't be long before that
beautiful creature will snap the lifeline that binds you two together and
will soar, free and alone.
Only then do you know that you did your job.

by Erma Bombeck