If I was in control of my child, they would never cry.
If I was in control of my child, they would never say No to me.
If I was in control of my child, they would never get sick.
If I was in control of my child, they would always pick up their mess without me asking.
If I was in control of my child, they would never feel pain.
If I was in control of my child, they would never inflict pain on others.
If I was in control of my child, they would get straight A’s in school…okay, maybe B’s.
If I was in control of my child, they would actually tell me what their day was filled with.
If I was in control of my child, they would always tell me how they were feeling when asked.
If I was in control of my child, they would never do drugs.
If I was in control of my child, they would not partake in the drama.
If I was in control of my child, they would go to college (with a full scholarship of course).
If I was in control of my child, it would take them longer to learn independence and what will happen when they make mistakes.
If I was in control of my child, I would never feel guilt or their pain, or their loss and misgivings, because they would be exactly who I crafted them to be.
But since I’m not in control, nor can I be, I will focus on what I am in control of. ME, their role model, their sounding board, the holder of the keys to their luxuries. I will hold on to what is mine and share what I am able to offer. My reactions, perceptions and responses to the world around me. And I will practice my acceptance of this reality, over and over and over again.