“Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life’s
longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they
belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and he bends you with his might that his arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness;
For even as he loves the arrow that flies so he loves also the bow that is stable.”
Kahlil Gibran
Memories and transition have been most prevalent in my mind during these days I have spent sewing for Jeanette’s wedding. She is crossing into another stage of her life, and in some ways I feel I am too. She was the baby of the family, the last child to wed. It is time to bend and be glad.
Wow, what a beautiful way to celebrate your daughter’s wedding. I love the way these treasured photos of her show so many sides to her character as she has grown & blossomed over time.
The poem is a real inspiration, a reminder that our children are not our ‘property’, but belong to themselves and the universe, with infinite positive possibilities and potential within them.
As we bend in the wind, so we use our calm stength derived from strong roots, so as you bend gladly, I will bend with you! Happy New Year, and Happy New Stage for your daughter and you. Lois xxx
What a beautiful tribute for your daughter…your love shines through. All the best!
Yes, what a beautiful photo-journal of your daughter’s life! I love seeing her grow up, right before my eyes. And Kahlil Gibran’s words are the perfect touch. What memories this brings to me, for my mother had these words memorized, and at any given moment she would softly recite them to us. That first photo with Jeanette’s little hand in the air, giving benediction to the world, is precious. And I adore the picture of her with the braids ~ too sweet for words! Bless you and your daughter as you both travel into these new journeys. xo Kari
This is one of the most touching and moving things I’ve experienced in a long winter of sorrow and cynicism. Wistfully, I see that it’s very different for mothers of daughters. Wishing all the best of life to the bride and groom.
What a beautiful baby, child, young woman and bride to be! I love that passage from Khalil Gibran(I love everything Khalil Gibran so thank you). Blessings to all on such a joyous day!