33. There Are Few Things You Must Know

"There are few things you must know
to become a wise parent.
You must know that you are going to die,
for then you will be able to truly live.

You must know when you have enough,
for then you will be content.
You must know how to laugh,
for then you will find healing.

There are many things you need not know.
You need not know everything your children think
or do.
You need not know your secret dreams and hopes.
You need not know how life will unfold for them,
or for yourself.

Live your own life,
with all your heart,
and all your mind,
and with all your soul.
There is no need to live theirs.
They will do that wonderfully
by themselves."

Over and over again, I get the lesson to let go. So far it has taught me always to hold things--and people--lightly, rather than tightly: To be tender and respectful and mindful of the gifts and time that life gives all of us. As I learn again this letting go, I open myself even further to the essential and basic truths of myself and my part to play in humanity. and to my hope that in letting go I will widen my embrace more and more.