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Know When to Hold Them


When I was young, my parents gave me a Bee Gee's record box and some records.  One of my favorite was Kenny Rogers-The Gambler.  I would sing this song...very loudly... while cutting hay at the end of a long hot summer day.  "You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em, know when to walk away and know when to run."

So as I struggle through these emotions of my Michael leaving soon for college this song is running through my head.  O.k. not the "know when to fold em."  But I do have to know when to hold them and when to release them.

I'm wrestling with my thoughts and emotions in an attempt to rein them in as I ride this transition. 

Drawing on my growing up on horses, I remind myself to sink into the saddle.  To ride with a light hand on the reins and stay in the movement.  To join with and not to fight. 

 To know when to hold the reins and when to let go.  My boys are held in my heart and will be until I breathe my last breath.



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