That’s what we are supposed to do, right? Let our children go; give them wings; let out the kite string; encourage them to be independent. After all, being independent is the American way. So, why do I have a hole in my heart?

As parents, we’ve tried to teach our children to love, pray and be thankful; to spend time with family; to be compassionate; to volunteer to help others; to have fun and enjoy life; to complete their chores (without complaining too much!); and to appreciate friendship. We’ve encouraged them to do their best in school; to be thoughtful leaders; to advocate for themselves with teachers, counselors and employers; and to invite their friends to our homes. We’ve driven them to countless sporting events, musical concerts, theatrical and dance performances. By the time they graduate from high school, we hope they are prepared.

Life as a parent is truly a blessing and, as the cliché says, it goes by way too fast. Do you remember time with your newborn(s)? I bet you couldn’t get enough of those adoring eyes. You want to eat again. At 3 a.m.? You’ll probably be hungry again about 6. Life is good!

Then they are toddlers. Remember the joy in watching your daughter chase a butterfly for the first time? How about his excitement (and yours) when he went potty in the potty for the first time? Of course, there was the why, why, why, and, how come, how come? Remember that time when you didn’t know the answer to — say — how many kittens are there in the world? “But, Mommy, I thought you knew everything!”

Preschool. They have their own cubbies! We have to leave them for several hours, two days a week, so they can learn to socialize with others. They are learning about animals, numbers, sharing, letters, science and “pajama day.” They have incredible, nurturing, fun and exciting teachers. Theoretically, we’re thrilled for some quiet time. Yet, we can’t wait to pick them up from school. “What did you do today? Who brought the snack and did you like it? What books did your teachers read? What do you want to take for sharing tomorrow?”

Kindergarten — wow! We’ve come so far. School supplies, name tags, more great books to read, new friends, desks, riding the bus, big kids, book fairs, curriculum night. More incredible, nurturing, fun and exciting teachers. Our children love reading and snuggling with us. Then they are in first grade; and they are gone all day. Blink a few times and they are in second grade, fourth grade — then here comes middle school.

Ah, middle school. Tough times and great times. Lots of bonding, texting and drama. The eyes roll. They start to develop, not only physically, but intellectually, emotionally and socially. It’s wonderful, yet scary. And their friends, my, how they have changed! They look, act and sound older. They used to be so helpful and innocent. Now they are — gasp — teenagers. But we love them, no matter what.

High school. Take a deep breath. Pressure, grades, homework, sports, SAT, AP, driver’s license, homecoming, Bridges, Tolo, the Jungle, art, music and senior prom. Yes, MIHS can be a difficult place. But, it is also a wonderful place. Although some kids say they are frustrated knowing that so many eyes are watching them on the Rock, most know that this community cares deeply about children — all of our children. And, as parents of high school students, we realize the “children” are becoming young adults.

They are ready to move on to the next chapter in their lives. Of course we are excited for them, but that means we have to let them go…

Absher is an Island resident and the mother of twin graduates of the Mercer Island High School Class of 2010.