As a parent of an appointee to the US Naval Academy, we expect that our son/daughter will grow and mature in many ways. We must also realize that our relationship with our son/daughter over the next four years will change too. This poem, written to a graduate, does a nice job of expressing this changing relationship. It is as important for a parent to read as it is for their Midshipman.

To Let Go

Author Unknown

To let go is to admit powerlessness, which means your outcome is not in our hands.
To let go is not to shelter you, but to encourage your independence.
To let go is not to regulate, but to realize we can't control you.
To let go is not to judge, but to allow you to be human.
To let go is not do it for you, it means the results are yours.
To let go is not to enable, but to allow you to learn from natural consequences.
To let go is not to try to change you, but to enjoy who you have become.
To let go is not to arrange outcomes, but to allow you to effect your own destiny.
To let go is not to be protective, it's to permit you to face reality.
To let go is not to cut ourselves off, but to build a more mature relationship with you.
To let go is not to care for you, but to care about you.

We will always love you.

Our love for you overpowers our strongest desire to keep you.

We will always be your Mom & Dad and call you our baby.

We love you enough to let you go.