The Power of Letting Go

Winterpark, Florida.

The following story happened during a grey afternoon when we helped our daughter to move her things to college.

The car ride home felt heavy, the weight of our daughter leaving for college still lingering in the air. The radio was off, and our thoughts were the only sounds.

The grey clouds outside mirrored our somber mood. It seemed like there was no escaping the sadness we all felt. As we drove through the charming town, my wife suggested we take a walk to clear our minds. We found a hidden spot by a lake surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees. The scent of rain-soaked earth and fresh pine permeated the air.

My wife went to park the car, leaving my son and me to explore the area. My heart felt heavy, and my mind was clouded with thoughts of my daughter. But my son's contagious energy urged me to keep going, so I decided to capture the moment with some photos. As we walked, my son spotted a charming dock, and we headed toward it.

The sound of the gently lapping water and the sight of birds feeding by the dock felt almost otherworldly. My son's excitement and wonder were palpable as he gazed at the stunning scenery. And then, something in me shifted. I watched my son, and his joy and delight were contagious. He was, somehow, relishing the moment, taking it all in without any worries or concerns.

The beauty and magic of the moment were not lost on me. I lifted my camera, capturing the image of my son on the dock, surrounded by nature's splendor.

The bittersweet feeling of letting go of my daughter was still there, but it felt less heavy then. It was a reminder that beautiful moments could come from letting go of what we love and that there is always something beautiful ahead, even in the midst of uncertainty.