Sunday, February 01, 2009

For Fred, who is starting school tomorrow

Your childrenare not your childrenThey 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.

7 comments:

  1. Ahh, lovely Penni.

    I found that I returned to Kahlil Gibran on children a lot when they were well past the early years and doing the teen stuff(it was the only way to avoid completley blaming myself for every stupid thing they did through that challenging period)

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  2. How very lovely. I will be thinking of you, and I hope she enjoys this next adventure.

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  3. Penni it's amazing how I feel closer to Fred and her journey through the photos and stories you have shared. It's such a special year ahead for both of you. Can't wait to hear the stories.

    Thank you so much for sharing

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  4. Yay for Fred what an incredible time she will have at school I'm so excited on your behalf! I've known her all her life, bless! Great to see you yesterday and kicking myself for not inviting ourselves up to your house after the market!

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  5. Beautiful Penni :) I hope Fred has a fabulous first day at school and that the rest of the year is even better!

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  6. Anonymous9:58 PM

    Just beautiful Pen. Dying to see her first day pics.

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  7. Anonymous1:34 PM

    Those pictures have my heart all tied up in knots. Beautiful post.

    I'm all confused about Martin having started school this year. So happy and proud, but secretly wish I could keep him in my arms forever.

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