August 19, 2002
DOWN HOME:
First, holding on; then, letting go
___Dear Lindsay,
___This is the moment I have both anticipated and dreaded for 18 years, nine months and 10 days. Today, Mama and I take you to college.
___Someday, you will understand the overwhelming tension that defines parenthood--knowing when to hold on and when to let go.
___Only yesterday, or so it seems, you reached up and we clasped hands as you took your first steps. Mama and I walked with you 'round and 'round the circular path in our home till our backs ached. We wondered if you'd ever (a) let us stop and (b) walk alone.
MARV KNOX
Editor
___But gradually, you wanted to grasp our forefingers, so you'd have more control. Then we let go completely. Of course, we worried that you'd fall, but you made it. You walked alone. We cheered, and you beamed.
___A few years later, we all held hands as we walked into the schoolhouse for your first day of kindergarten. We let go as you saw your classroom. You didn't see the tears in our eyes, because you had wonder in your own. Mama and I smiled and waved goodbye, and you embarked on an adventure you continue today.
___Along the way, we've experienced many holding on/letting go moments. We read to you for hours and then listened to you read. We held you when you scraped your knee and clapped when you learned to ride a bike. We got up with you in the night when you were sick and put you on buses to take you on choir tours to far-off places. We taught you to drive a car and then waved as you backed out of the driveway.
___Through all these years, Mama and I have held you countless times. We have treasured every moment. I love you so much that my heart skips a beat when you enter the room. And I'm never happier than when you or Molly walk up and hug me, put your head on my shoulder and hold me close.
___Through the years, Mama and I have believed the best way to protect you came by letting go--placing you in God's hands. How proud we were when you made that decision for yourself and asked Jesus to be your Savior.
___This week, we will let go again and watch you embark on a terrific journey. You are enrolling in Hardin-Simmons University, our alma mater, where wonderful Christian people--faculty, staff and friends--will love you and lead you to new places of wonder and awe.
___You know I've dreaded letting go this time. Of course, I'm the sappy one of the family. But for every tear I've cried, I've said a prayer that you would walk joyfully with God, even in places Mama and I can't go. And so, our tears today are tears of joy, for we know this moment of letting go is but a prelude to a blessed journey. You will be stronger, wiser and more holy because you embarked upon it.
___ With empty hands, I hold you in my heart,
___ Daddy
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