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Amy Abbott's avatar

Even though I have a son, I could completely relate to this piece. My son is almost middle-aged (34) yet I felt every emotion in this piece. My late mother-in-law talked about my husband as her "baby" which drove him nuts, but I get it. Great piece.

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Melissa Fraterrigo's avatar

Amy,

I don’t know what it is about parenting that makes it so hard to see our kids as anything but kids—it probably says more about us and our view of our own identities. Thanks so much for reading. I hope you are having a great Friday!

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Jocelyn Jane Cox's avatar

Relate to this big time. I try to let go of "things" and "stages of life" but it's difficult for me.

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Melissa Fraterrigo's avatar

Right? We get caught in the in-between places as we “wait” for the next thing.

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Brenda J's avatar

As you can see, this piece is very relatable. My 11-year-old grandson is ready to sell toys from his toybox at my house. It is the end of an era (again). I went through this with his Dad and here I am again.

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Barbara Shoup's avatar

I love this so much!

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Melissa Fraterrigo's avatar

Thanks, Barb!!!!

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Robert Aquinas McNally's avatar

This piece so touches me. My elder son had this stuffed malemute that he parked on his bed all through school, even took it with him when he enrolled at UC Santa Cruz. Then that worn critter disappeared, and I realized how thoroughly he had begun his own life in terms other than mine. Sigh. Yet that letting go is central to being a nurturing parent.

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Melissa Fraterrigo's avatar

I don’t know that we ever adjust to these moments of transition. I find myself asking so many questions about how I feel and WHY I feel what I do. I hope you can find a way to make peace with your grandson’s decision to sell his toys!

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Melissa Fraterrigo's avatar

Bob,

Did you ever learn about where that loved stuffed malemute disappeared?? Yes--the letting go is key for them--and for us. So hard. Thanks for reading and sharing your own story.

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