Twins

When you have young kids, going to the playground can be strenuous as it means frequent lifting, bending and chasing after unsteady kids. It also means carrying them there because they are too wee to walk the whole way, and carrying them back because they've exhausted themselves.

Then one day, you suddenly realize you don't have to do any of the above. And neither do you have to follow them closely to get them out of harm's way. They'll make new friends on the spot and don't want you following them around. Your hands will be free again as you watch them hold hands from a distance behind.

Ever so gradually, they are done with their toddler days and have moved on to bigger adventures. One rung higher on the ladder that leads to their independence. From us.

This is my epiphany today.