I find myself in that peculiar position each parent one day faces: the empty nest. And so I see my life weaves in and out of Joni's tales of life. (There's the Joni content) In all the travails of the last week I've often been lost in Joni's thoughts on change and the world around us. (Is justice just ice?) But now my only child is moving into the world on her own terms and I'm feeling anxious for all she leaves behind: the child full of curls and sunshine smiles has turned round the circle to full bloom of young adulthood. In my age I would urge her to drag her heels even knowing there is no cure for the thirst to be her own person, independant and confident of future adventures. At once I envy her and yet hope she heeds my caution. Alas, she's too much like me and I fear she'll always venture forward with little consideration for the hurt awaiting an open heart. Do all parents feel this way? I love that kid more than I can say and want her to enjoy the richness this life can offer. But I'd do most anything to help her avoid the pain we all experience when we open our hearts. And as the world spins I wonder, did bin Ladin's parents wish the same for him? Fear the same for him? This traveler thanks you for the bandwidth Diane _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp
