Double-Stuffed and Fully Capable

Letting Loose but Hanging On~ Originally written June 30, 2016

Whew. One of the hardest things ever letting go.

Since Marisa was a baby, she acted like she couldn’t do anything without me. Full-on damsel-in-distress vibes. 😅

From Mother’s Day Out at just 18 months old all the way to this very day, she’s leaned on me like I was her personal assistant, life coach, and emergency rescue crew wrapped in one.

Father & Daughter Indian Princess Camp

She was attached at my hip. I was the only parent at parties. I sat in parking lots ready to swoop in. I was there at every school function, every meltdown, every moment.

People gently tried to tell me, “You know, she’s fine without you…” But I didn’t believe it. They said it was me who brought out that side of her. That because I’m the nurturer, she knew I’d do things for her and she could be a little bossy when she thought I might not. 😬 Her go-to tactic? “I’ll be lost without you!” But they promised me... she’d figure it out.

Spoiler: She always did.

But only after I walked away.

I’ve been told repeatedly to secretly watch or ask around. Because when I’m not there? Marisa is anything but fragile. She’s fierce. She’s a leader. She’s kind, caring, and even helps others find their confidence. 💪💕

But still, my mama heart always whispered, “She’s fragile…”

She’s just my double-stuffed Oreo-eating cutie. 🍪💕

And every time I said that, people would give me that look. “Fragile? Are we talking about the same Marisa?” 🤨

A few weeks ago, she told me she wanted to move out with a friend. She was serious. Said it would help her grow up, become independent, and break out of the comfort of home.

So we went to look at the apartment. I met the potential roommate. Then, of course… cue my investigation mode. 🕵️‍♀️

She caught me digging and just laughed. “Mom, I told my friends what you're doing and they asked if you're gonna investigate them too!” 😂 I laughed and told her, “Sweetheart, I’ve investigated every friend’s parent you’ve ever hung out with!” She gave me that look again… yeah, maybe I’m a little crazy. But it’s crazy with a purpose.

Because I will always protect my kids. I’ll always help them even when the help is learning how to back off. 😬 Even when it means letting go a little… and trusting her to make her own (tiny, very minor, please-God-not-major) mistakes.

As for moving out? Nah. Not anymore. 🙏 She decided Kanye concert tickets and fun with friends are a better investment. (Honestly? She’s already smarter than I was at that age.) 🎤✨

Today we went to the bank she lost her debit card. Normally, I’d go in with her and walk her through it step by step. That’s how we opened the account in the first place.

But today? I stayed in the car. 😳

She said, “Mom, I don’t know where to go. You need to come in!”

But I held my ground. I told her, “Nope. Go in. Ask. They’ll help you. You got this.”

And she did. 🥹

I practiced letting go… just a little.

Only two more kids to go… 😅💗

🔮 Mini Tarot Pull for the Blog Theme

Card: The Strength 🦁🌸

Meaning: This card beautifully reflects the energy of this post quiet courage, inner resilience, and the grace it takes to let go while still loving fiercely. It’s not about force; it’s about faith, patience, and gentle power ~~exactly what I showed in that car outside the bank.