She started requesting songs from DJ, so she'd hear her favorites. She was lost in a world of music & movement, with a grin from ear to ear. I could just tell that she had forgotten all her worries, and she would stay on that dance floor for days if I would let her. The little girl inside me envied her so much during those moments I spent watching her.

This was a true lesson that our children are individuals, not something that we have complete control over. She is so different from me, in so many ways. I can do my best to be her biggest role model, but in end, her own personality will emerge. And if we are honest with ourselves, I think most of us would have to agree that we have some traits that we do not want our children to acquire. My own bashfulness and insecurity is fault that I don't want to pass on to my children, and my daughter has already won that battle, as far as I can tell.

Oh, did I mention that my little girl can really dance?? I mean, she's truly got rhythm, and can dance on her own, making it up as she goes along, and it honestly looks good! My little four-year old was dancing as good as any of older girls out there. She was keeping pace with music, and switching tempos as fast as songs changed. I believe she was showing off, but to nobody but herself, just enjoying fun of actually dancing somewhere besides our living room. Of course, I'm a little biased about her talent on dance floor, but I'd bet you a leprechaun's pot of gold that she was best little dancer at Irish Disco!

Ha! They showed me! It couldn't have been more than ten minutes later, when my husband officially let go, and my daughter continued to ride on her own, knowing full well that he wasn't holding on anymore. There was no stopping her now. She rode that "big girl" two-wheel bike back and forth for next two hours. She hasn't stopped since then. And I was there that day to share in her pride.

I learn so much from my daughter, and on this day, she reminded me of another important life lesson. My children will grow up. I can whine, complain, and stomp my feet in protest all I want, but it won't stop seconds from ticking away. Therefore, it is extremely important to cherish every moment we have together, to experience their lives with them, to be a part of every single day of their lives. Don't live in fear of time or change - you'll never be able to replace moments that you miss.

At this rate, it won't be long before they'll be graduating from two wheels back to four wheels. And then my husband again will have privilege of being driving instructor.

Yes, we all want to hang on for that extra moment, but there comes a time when we must let go and allow them ride on their own.