Wave 8 is here, roaring quietly under my skin.
The kids are no longer ours in the way they once were. They stop needing us like before—at least on the surface—while we’re still working behind the scenes, quietly holding everything together.
They start dreaming, planning, claiming their independence. They want to make their own decisions, talk to their friends without filtering through us, stand up for themselves. And without any warning, the role shifts. We’re no longer handling everything, yet we’re never really out of the picture.
Yesterday, my little one opened her first bank account. Watching her take that step felt surreal—proud and terrifying all at once. She’s already learning responsibility, already touching autonomy.
And now she wants to drive…
not even close to driving age.
Independence isn’t free. It’s learning how to be responsible, making decisions, and facing both good and bad consequences. It’s earning trust. It’s building a personality strong enough to face the world on its own.
My chest tightens—fear, pride, awe, wonder—all at once.
This wave isn’t about letting go completely. It’s about knowing when to stop protecting and start supporting. About stepping back without disappearing. About trusting that she will stand, stumble, rise, and own her steps—while I remain quietly present, holding the invisible safety net.
Wave 8 hums through me.
Messy. Beautiful. Terrifying. Alive.
todaywaves.com 