I sat in on my daughter’s therapy appointment.

I was invited. I did not force my way in

in helicopter fashion.

Perhaps my daughter didn’t want to be in the wash of the rotors by herself.

And I am fully there for that

despite my own second guessing about . . .

the optics? I felt the need to tell the therapist it was requested.

the process? Is my presence inhibiting personal growth?

It is hard as a parent to let go of the idea that we know our child better than she knows herself.

It is dangerous to hold, though.

The process of separation began as the fourth trimester ended, as infant realized her own personhood.

There is no sense in cinching the ties now.

It inhibits the self-actualization we want for our children.

After the hours of my own therapy I’ve put in and countless readings and writings, I look at things differently from my end – even though we’re both sitting on the same couch. And knowing her as well as I do, I can offer a perspective she may not have even considered herself.

But that doesn’t mean she won’t. And that doesn’t mean she won’t learn a ton in the journey to get there.

Because it’s her journey – not mine.