Apron Strings

Ian wants to go to camp this summer. Not day camp, but away from home, overnight, sleepover for 6 nights camp. He has asking to go for the past two years and I have just blown the idea off and never really considered it. Several weeks ago he brought the brochure home again from school and the conversation went something like this.....

Ian: {handing me the brochure} "Mom, I really want to go to camp this year!"

Me: {looking at the brochure} But, Ian you would be gone for 6 nights, that's a long time"

Ian: "I will be OK"

Me: {thinking} You might, but what about me? "You won't have any friends there"

Ian: "That's OK, it would be an opportunity to make new friends"

Me: "They probably wont have any food you like {pointing to a picture showing past campers eating}

Ian: "I'll figure it out, I don't think I'll starve."

After thinking about it for a couple of weeks {with Ian asking if I had signed him up yet - often} and not able to think of any other reason he shouldn't go I registered him. Really, my hesitation is about 'apron strings'. It's hard to let go and let them grow up and I have an irrational fear of my kids being around water when I'm not around. The camp has a pool and I could just imaging the entire camp of kids swimming all at once {too many to watch} and not enough life guards. So, I called the camp and asked how they managed the pool. Turns out a couple of cabins at a time go and the counselor of the cabin along with the life guards are watching the kids swim. I have anxiety even thinking about it but I signed him up to go July 13th. Sarah asked Ian with emotion in her voice and tears in her eyes "Why would you want to leave the family for that long, Ian?" I'm right there with you Sarah, but I suppose apron strings must be cut and wings must be spread and they all need to learn to fly sometime. It is just happening much sooner than I anticipated or am ready for. It will be a strange week with out him.