I felt your emotions throughout the article especially when you talked about cooking dinner and having longer meals. It made me think of how ordinary moments can become extraordinary when a chapter is about to close. It also shows how our bond is formed in those “small”, everyday moments.
Jen, I took time to read this, because as you know, I'm standing in the same doorway... and you named so many things I couldn't. The leaving really does start before the leaving.
You asked what do we carry forward and what do we let go. That's what I am working on too.. a lot of self reflection on what's true to me and then keeping just that. For me it's slower time with the few people who are closest to me, my kids, before they leave for college, get busier with their own lives, building friendships which fill me up, my health. And then let go of stuff that was just tagging along and not adding any joy to my life.. I just went through my rage purge stage :)
Thank you so much for this heartfelt comment, Gigi! I was hoping I'd could connect with other parents so we could walk this road together. I appreciate you checking in on me! 🤗🙌
Oh the anticipatory grief! I remember feeling it at a young age with a puppy our parents got for us. I was 10! Why! Why? It sounds like your family is so tight-knit that you feel Cora's departure will just unravel you. I hope it opens you up to finding new, fun parts of yourself while you watch her do the same.
Yes and will have to come up with some new things to talk about! Right now I’m in Idaho visiting with family that will be a part of road trips soon after she takes off. Thank you for being here, Cat! I appreciate you so much. 🤗🙌
Great writing JL. I’m a dad and my kids are older, and what you’re facing now is a big step along a continuous journey of smaller steps. Our kids grow and move and the elastic between us gets stretched but it’s always there. Relationships change, but the fundamental things remain. The care, the love, all the shared little ordinary things create a texture that always remains familiar to touch. There is just today.
You’re Mom’ing. And you’re in the tunnel. Of transition — to the next phase of Mom’ing. And grieving. And the flank steak is comfort food. I’m making flank steak tonight btw. We need comfort in times of change❤️
I felt your emotions throughout the article especially when you talked about cooking dinner and having longer meals. It made me think of how ordinary moments can become extraordinary when a chapter is about to close. It also shows how our bond is formed in those “small”, everyday moments.
Jen, I took time to read this, because as you know, I'm standing in the same doorway... and you named so many things I couldn't. The leaving really does start before the leaving.
You asked what do we carry forward and what do we let go. That's what I am working on too.. a lot of self reflection on what's true to me and then keeping just that. For me it's slower time with the few people who are closest to me, my kids, before they leave for college, get busier with their own lives, building friendships which fill me up, my health. And then let go of stuff that was just tagging along and not adding any joy to my life.. I just went through my rage purge stage :)
Glad to be in this season alongside you...
Thanks for this beautiful reflection
Thank you so much for this heartfelt comment, Gigi! I was hoping I'd could connect with other parents so we could walk this road together. I appreciate you checking in on me! 🤗🙌
Oh the anticipatory grief! I remember feeling it at a young age with a puppy our parents got for us. I was 10! Why! Why? It sounds like your family is so tight-knit that you feel Cora's departure will just unravel you. I hope it opens you up to finding new, fun parts of yourself while you watch her do the same.
Yes and will have to come up with some new things to talk about! Right now I’m in Idaho visiting with family that will be a part of road trips soon after she takes off. Thank you for being here, Cat! I appreciate you so much. 🤗🙌
Great writing JL. I’m a dad and my kids are older, and what you’re facing now is a big step along a continuous journey of smaller steps. Our kids grow and move and the elastic between us gets stretched but it’s always there. Relationships change, but the fundamental things remain. The care, the love, all the shared little ordinary things create a texture that always remains familiar to touch. There is just today.
Thank you, Alan. I appreciate you taking the time to write these encouraging words. 🤗🙌
Your honest authentic and real writing always warrants a response.
🥰🥰🥰
Anticipatory grief is real, and addressing it, and support can help - as well as a focus on present moment and openness to the next chapter
You’re Mom’ing. And you’re in the tunnel. Of transition — to the next phase of Mom’ing. And grieving. And the flank steak is comfort food. I’m making flank steak tonight btw. We need comfort in times of change❤️