{Lifestyle Portraiture} Independence: What does it mean to you?

Independence means so many things to so many people. Freedom to do what you want, freedom of speech and expression, freedom to practice any religion without fear of persecution...etc...etc...etc.

For those in the US, July is synonymous with Independence day. Come July, the flags come out and fly strong and proud all across the country. 

For me as a parent, everyday is Independence day as my kids learn to do things on their own - walk unassisted, wave bye excitedly while being dropped to school instead of the desperate clinging of your arm or leg! and lately, riding a bike without training wheels. 

That is what we achieved this past week - our little Ms.Independent rode a bike without the training wheels. 'I want to try' , 'I can do it...I know I can' is all that we heard all week. Sure enough, it took just 5 minutes of assistance and away she went. I wanted to weep....really, I mean I wanted to sit down and bawl so hard...I did not care about independence, freedom, doing what you want...nothing. My baby was growing up and I did not want to be left behind. I wanted to savor the memories and moments of her holding my hand as she peddled her tricycle...I wanted to remember all the conversations and countless questions I would hear as we peddled miles on our tandom bike :(

 Just give me a push, dad!

This one melts my heart! - I see the pride as well as the sadness as we realize she is growing up and getting ready to explore - one peddle at a time!

And away she goes! - here, there, everywhere....

This was special "by request" picture - "Take one of my cooooollllll bike" - yes, honey - it is very cool :)

We rode to the park and as we were going, I saw this guy in the swamp. Right when I put to camera to my face, he took off.

For some reason, this picture captured the emotion of the moment - Ms.Independent taking off in her bike - her "wings" that would take her to new places and new adventures!

The tandom attachement is already left behind as we practice our riding...I miss it already and she has just learnt to ride her bike. At this rate, I am going to have a meltdown when she goes to elementary school :(