I'm going to an event at Benaroya Hall in Seattle tonight. My first grandchild (now 14 YO) wrote a story for her English class at school last year that, unbeknownst to her, was later entered by her teacher in a contest for inclusion in a book of stories by young writers. Hers was one selected, and the event is to mark her achievement and that of the others from Washington chosen.
When I'm sitting in the audience tonight, it'll be with the sure knowledge that the hours and hours I spent with her, lap reading, exploring, talking, and helping her learn to think played an important part in bringing her to that moment.
I wouldn't trade the time I spent/spend with her- and my other Grandchildren- for any amount of "freedom"!