Passages- The Emptying Nest

Very kind comments and I congratulate you on what seems a successful mentor of your own. For us, it was made easier by him having already assumed leadership roles such as last man at risk, the strength to carry more than his share of the group gear etc. with advanced groups. What is gratifying is to see him being sought out by other groups, as an asset to their planned trips and taking on some roles that were reserved for others, in his groups, such as route finding and technical set ups. Nice to see the full package being applied.

Next week he will be leading his first group of novices and to boot, peers from his school. He will find this trickier and way more involved than he anticipates, I suspect. Dealing with the established pattern of interactions from a place where he was an equal and now has sway over group choices, in potentially dangerous environs. His peers will not automatically grant the leadership role, that other more seasoned folks have done in the past easily, knowing his resume and skill set. It will be interesting for him.

In the past, he has been challenged by adults well over twice his age accepting that his judgments would be the best ones and in their interests. This only has come from less seasoned adults, who really do need what he was offering. Those with enough talent and experience to know, have accepted his help easily. This has frustrated in the past and remains a challenge.

— In Yahoo Canyons Group, Felicia Bicknell wrote:

> Aaron is on a 15 day trip

to Zion and Escalante. A first without the parents. Its just

the start.

It is gratifying to watch him take the

reins, halting as it is this first time. Am I worried? Nah!

What good would it do anyway? He knows whats important.

Coming home with everyone healthy, everyday.

Ram

Hi, this is Judy. Ram just showed this to me. I am worried

for both of us. 😉

Ram and Judy,

Thank you for sharing this event with all of us. I’ve been thinking about this post for the last couple of days. Although my kids have been out of the house for years now, I remember and understand an empty nest.

My son called me recently and said: “check out my trip report” and I said “what trip?” This was the ultimate message that as adults they come and go as they please – but very rewarding that he wanted to share with me. And – yes – they wore helmets.

I can tell you that it was a long thought out decision to share our canyoneering interests with the kids. I have spent more time telling them what I don’t know. I tried to let them know where they can get the information they will need to succeed – ie: “Coming home with everyone healthy, everyday.”

For several years I have been inviting the kids on my canyon trips. This weekend I was invited by the kid to join him this coming weekend. I can’t go – but how awesome! I look forward to more invitations in the future.

Aaron is very fortunate the he has wonderful mentors – he will be an integral part of moving this sport to a great level.

I look forward to reading about Aaron’s adventures and viewing his photographs.

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