I watched them play today,

Out in the backyard surrounded by nature.

The oldest becoming a leader, showing her little brother what to do,

The middle forging her own path through forbidden territory, bold and willing to risk the consequences to do things her way 

The youngest trusting he wouldn’t be led astray, looking up to his hero

They were in their own world, enjoying the sun and birds, chasing them through the grass like they had a chance to catch them,

A bird in the hand was their dream, but the ones in the bush flew far from their small hands, eluding their grasp.

Mommy, let us play without you here, they asked.

I smiled,

Wistfully,

And left them to their devices.

A first, of many to come.

They blossom in the sun, unaware I was keeping watch from inside,

Just in case.

My babies are people now, each an individual who thinks for themselves. 

I’m proud, but sad

One small step out of my arms, with a marathon still to go.