I have a piece of art hanging in my kitchen that I bought several years ago at the Attic Gallery.

It is a painting of a big blue bear standing over a baby in a crib and at the bottom of the picture is a serpent.

I was drawn to the piece of art, not only because of all its vibrant colors, but also because of my interpretation of the scene.

Here was a mama bear standing vigilant over a child, protecting it from all evil.

I connected immediately to Holly Atkinsons work and bought it on the spot.

No doubt, I saw myself as the bear looking out after all my babies, ready to maul anyone or anything that even tempted to harm them.

Well, guess what? I found out, I couldn’t.

Unfortunately, no matter how hard I have tried, there were times that I couldn’t fix everything for my kids.

And for someone who is a control freak, like myself, it has been a hard pill to swallow.

Most may be thinking, I would have discovered that there are going to be times that “mama” can’t help.

And yes, I did have to concede when it came to assisting with upper level math classes and anything techy.

However, as for the jillions of other things, I thought they needed my help with; I tried to take care of every detail.

But, sure as the sun rises in the East and sets in the West, this woman found out, that not only could I not make everything perfect, there were also times my children didn’t want my assistance, and I have to admit it was hard to let go.

This notion of letting my children resolve things on their own is probably one of the greatest challenges in my life.

I mean weren’t mothers put here on Earth to take care of their babies?

This week, I have once again found myself contemplating this notion of protecting my kids at all cost and have been asking myself what it is that causes me to hold on so tight and not trust them or God.

And one of the conclusions I came up with is if nothing bad ever happens to them, then I never feel pain.

Holy Bear, I mean cow.

While I am out there running around like a bear (chicken) with its head cut off, trying to deflect any destructive actions headed my children’s way, I begun to think, what if this is causing them more harm than help.

What if I am keeping them from the path they are destined to travel?

Looking back, I know there were times my parents wanted to help me, but couldn’t.

Nevertheless, through all the challenging times, I made it through, and in the process gained a deeper insight into life, something I surely want my children to glean.

I have heard it said that there is no greater love than that of a mother’s love for her child.

I love my kids and as much as this antidote touches my heart, I know it’s God, who is the ultimate caretaker of my children.

Funny thing today, as I looked closely again at my painting in writing this column, I realized something I had failed to notice before.

In addition to the bear, the baby and the serpent, there are tiny crosses painted within circles surrounding the animal and child, reminding me that as much as I would like to serve as my children’s protector all the time, I can’t, but God can.

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer at The Vicksburg Post. Readers are invited to submit their opinions for publication.