Happy Friday Du Bois Friends and Families,
Our daughter texted us last Friday from Wyoming to let us know she had a job offer from a place in the Berkshires where she interned–an organization she loved being a part of, and people and leadership she revered. She was not communicating this as an “I am so excited–I am coming home,” message…but as a “This is awesome, but it's not the time, and I hope you and mom understand that,” message.
We do, of course.
We raised our daughter to be independent and thoughtful. The courage and ambition she crafted herself with the help of some amazing educators, coaches, mentors. And while we would love her to be closer to home, right now she not only needs…but wants…to stretch her wings. She grew up hearing her dad quote Kurt Vonnegut stating, “We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down.” She is following
Kurt’s advice to the young.
Her cliff-flight took her from Pittsfield to Amherst to the Tetons. Seeing her grow these wings has been scary at moments, but ultimately a joy and a pleasure. I admire her and her two older brothers in so many ways for their hearts, ethics, and compassion–and also for their tenacity, drive, and courage. They have more of all of those than their dad does–and that’s a wonderful thing to see.
Our middle school, with its 5 though 8 grade span, offers so may opportunities to see our children’s growth trajectories. Our 8th graders, in so many ways, are completely different humans than they were four years ago, on the cusp of leaping into 5th grade. The trip is full of starts and stops, occasional backward steps, but ultimately growth, and an accumulation of self-efficacy and power. Our kids grow their wings on their way through–and will keep on doing so.
Enjoy the trip–the days sometimes go slowly, but the years will fly. And thank you for being supporters and partners in helping your kids become who they need and want to be.
Have a peaceful weekend.
Jake M.
