She’s 60, the mother of two adult kids, and the kindest, most wonderful person. She’s married to another woman who is loving enough, but resents any connection between my friend and her daughter. My friend wants to help her daughter financially, but the daughter-in-law (if that’s the correct term) has made clear that they can make it on their own. It’s a delight to watch, as day-by-day the chicks get bigger, the birdhouse fuller and demands upon the parents more aggressive. But year after year, generations of martin parents understand that part of nurturing is letting go, and that “letting” sometimes means pushing, shoving, breaking free.

Source: thestar April 22, 2017 13:52 UTC