Nursing vs. Weaning

I'm a nursing mama. My eighteen-month-old is an avid nurser. I've begun to wonder about the nature of our nursing relationship. It's strong and healthy. But, how long will it last? Longevity was not something I strove for when I began this journey a year and a half ago. Sheesh.

I'm not sure what began my pondering.
-- Maybe it was the woman in the Montana dinner who sneered at me from behind her Elton John glasses and shook her head with disapproval, while whispering to her tablemates.
-- Maybe it was my family beginning to question me as my wild thing neared a year old, then continuing to make sarcastic "subtle" comments.
-- Maybe it was my pediatrician who said he supported my decision, but warned me about the social pressure I would face.
-- Maybe it was me who wanted my body to myself (as my little guy did downward dog while nursing) or longed for a full night of sleep. 

Though I can't pinpoint when, the fact is I've begun wondering. When is the right time? Mine, his, society's? There are times I want it to be in my time. I want to be in control. I'm bigger, older, and used to getting my way when it comes to my body. But I wonder about my wild thing. What am I teaching him if I force him to give up something he loves (sometimes the only comfort he has)?
  Am I teaching him that his feelings mean nothing?
    Am I teaching him that I am attuned to his needs?
In answer to these questions, I'd have to say I wouldn't be the kind of mom I work so hard to be. Nursing or not, I want to be the mom who raises a little boy who: knows he's important to me, knows I listen and try to understand, has the confidence to explore and learn and trust. (Whoa! That's a big one...trust. Trust others to care and meet his needs. Trust himself.)

Nursing will go on until it's our time to wean. When is that? When he's ready, we're ready. When he can understand boundaries and is able to self-soothe, I may feel comfortable nudging him in that direction. Despite all of the tricks I've read about for gentle nursing, I know he's not ready for that. He can't grasp that we only nurse when the sun is out and he certainly doesn't understand when I tell him he can't nurse. It's heartbreaking for him. That's when his big emotions take over and he can't cope. That's when he needs me to comfort him, not turn him away.