Flying Away from the Nest: Time to Break Free

When I was a little girl, I remember being best friends with my parents. Just us three. Always. Every weekend, we would all entertain ourselves at the flea market on Saturdays, see movies, and do a chant I created called "Family" where my mother, my father, and I would bring our arms in and on the count of 3, we'd shout "Family!" after our huddle. The good times. Needless to say, that was so long ago. I have experienced the growing pains of my life, of course aided with their support. But I recently pondered the idea that I am no longer that little girl they once saw, innocent eyes watching their every move to mock. I am my own person, my own being with my own individual opinions and thoughts and ideas on situations. The love I have for them is not diminished because of this realization. In fact, I could even say it is stronger, despite the fact that we are very different now.  Life has taught me its own things. They are not influenced by them any longer.  Sure, the respect for them is eternal but I have decided how important it is to break free from the nest that I came from. Doing so will make me a woman that follows her own passions, interests, dreams, and aspirations.

Looking back, I think- I know- my parents would always be the greatest heroes in my life. They did, after all, make me. Most importantly, they laid a foundation for me to build myself further. I am my own wonderful, extraordinary, and unique human being. I have learned in one single year how my mistakes have defined me, regardless of the constant nagging I received from my parents. I don't regret one mistake. Because although we're a mold of our parents, we have the freedom to be who we were made to be.

I have replayed my father's voice message twice now. "Savannah, you've disappointed me." Three stinging words. I had the courage to erase it. I had the courage to realize that no, I did not disappoint him. In actuality, he disappointed himself. I cannot be the perfect example of what he wants me to be. I cannot live up to stringent expectations. I am me. Savannah, one of a kind. A woman after God's own heart. I am sorry I am not what my father wants me to be. Actually, I take that back. I'm not sorry. Sooner or later, you've got to spread those wings you've been preparing all your life for that special flight into adulthood.

It is finally my time to fly away now.