How Do You 'Let Go' of Your Kids?

Words · 11-23-2009, 02:35 PM

My 17-year-old son decided today that he wants to return to Israel, which was home up until 2 1/2 years ago when we moved to the UK. His father and much of his extended family are there, so I can understand his wanting to go back, even knowing that his life there will be far from easy (his father is Palestinian). I also know that this hasn't been an easy decision for him to make so in spite of being absolutely heartbroken - and I am - I'm trying to put on a brave face and not do or say anything that will make him feel worse than he clearly already does.

Thing is, it would be one thing if my son were returning to a country where he had even the smallest chance of making something of his life. But he's not. He's returning to a country where he will always be, and be treated as, a second class citizen, and where his chances of ending up in some kind of 'political' detention center, or worse still, dead or injured, are fairly high. And that is where I am struggling. I always knew he would grow up and leave. I just hoped and prayed that he would be leaving for something good.

So, my question, again...how do you let go of your kids? Because honestly? I just don't know how to do it.

Words

11-23-2009, 02:35 PM	#1
Words Member How Do You Identify?: Queer femme submissive Relationship Status: Married Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: UK Posts: 969 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,449 Thanked 4,261 Times in 677 Posts Rep Power: 21474851	How Do You 'Let Go' of Your Kids? My 17-year-old son decided today that he wants to return to Israel, which was home up until 2 1/2 years ago when we moved to the UK. His father and much of his extended family are there, so I can understand his wanting to go back, even knowing that his life there will be far from easy (his father is Palestinian). I also know that this hasn't been an easy decision for him to make so in spite of being absolutely heartbroken - and I am - I'm trying to put on a brave face and not do or say anything that will make him feel worse than he clearly already does. Thing is, it would be one thing if my son were returning to a country where he had even the smallest chance of making something of his life. But he's not. He's returning to a country where he will always be, and be treated as, a second class citizen, and where his chances of ending up in some kind of 'political' detention center, or worse still, dead or injured, are fairly high. And that is where I am struggling. I always knew he would grow up and leave. I just hoped and prayed that he would be leaving for something good. So, my question, again...how do you let go of your kids? Because honestly? I just don't know how to do it. Words