girldetective

I was raised with small town opportunities and play. Bicycling, swimming, walking to school on freeze ass snowy days. I loved it and ran all over. When I was a teen I would go into Chicago, albeit without my parents permission. There was excitement in those urban environs that I still feel today, and that I live in.

I raised the children in a small city and they had a lot of freedom at a young age. My oldest would often walk 2 blocks downtown by herself when she was 5-6. They were the same 2 blocks and she new them by heart, as well as all the rules. She did it frequently enough that she became well known along the route and people sort of watched out for her. I would call ahead to ensure that the person would be at her destination, and I would watch her walk there. I thought it was instilling confidence in her, but now she tells me that it was awful of me and that she felt neglected. Who knew?!

My youngest walked to school on her first day of kindergarten with her friend who was in first grade. They were so happy and excited, and well versed in the rules. I walked behind at a polite distance and took photos of them all smiley and good. They walked through the neighborhood 3-4 blocks and had to cross a quite busy street, especially during school hours, and by a large public park. When feeling brave they would sometimes walk the other way down a busy thoroughfare after walking through the park and past the high school. They usually walked home and to school together and sometimes picked up other kids along the way. I thought I was instilling freedom and confidence in her, and now she says that I have always been the best mother, her favorite mother, and she loves me very much.

See, you never know.

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As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons...be cheerful; strive for happiness - Desiderata