Exercising his Wings!

Andrew (March 4,2015)

Today my 17-year-old son left to Winnipeg, Manitoba to participate in a national youth conference. He'll be gone for four days. I am so nervous, perhaps I shouldn’t be because after all he has been away before. The first time was when he was in grade 7 and then the following year for 10 days on a school odyssey trip.  Not to mention for the past two summers he has been away for part of the summer taking summer courses at a university.  

I thought it would get easier each time he leaves, but I am still filled with some trepidation. I suppose that is what we moms feel whenever we send our kids off somewhere without us. It’s hard for me to let him go but giving him space is the best way for a young man to exercise his wings.

He is also feeling nervous and somewhat pensive. Making an unsuccessful last minute attempt to negotiate with hubby to let him stay home. Although it gives me some relief knowing that he will be with a group and not totally on his own. :)

More importantly I acknowledge this is will be a good experience for him to be making decisions and taking responsibility for himself.  Indeed, this youth forum is likely just the thing he needs to strengthen his wings.  There will be between 250-300 students from across Canada and no doubt some of them with less experience than him and others in their first and second year of University. I am hoping that he will see the diversity between the youth, learn some valuable knowledge and skills, and make some friends; all this will prepare him to some degree for being away at university next year.

 UPDATE:  This is a link to a blog update on the the 4 day youth conference!