Hi. i appreciate how your framed "I am getting acquainted with myself. There is an Emily Dickenson quote that sort of aligns with what you are saying: "I am out with lanterns looking for myself." I haven't lost myself but getting acquainted with her. Thank you.
Thank you for capturing this and putting it in such beautiful words. It’s such a happy pain and it helps to know others understand this bittersweet phase of life 💕
I am at a very similar place. My two boys were my everything as a single Mom. But now, 26 & 24… I barely hear from them. Mostly it’s to the point of feeling like I mean nothing. It hurts really bad sometimes.
I did a solo trip to Ireland last fall and had an amazing time. I’d love to see if I could do what you are doing, on a shorter trip as I’m still working full time (in healthcare as well).
You’re an inspiration and I’m enjoying watching and hearing your stories. Safe travels!!
It’s not an easy transition. But, I admire (and a little jealous) your courage to do what you are doing. I traveled to Ireland alone and rented a car for 13 days. I should be able to get in my own car and drive. But the thought of sleeping in my car alone freaks me out. And I need to use the bathroom usually once a night. 🤭
This resonated with me! I'm on a similar journey except it's not going to be in the U.S. I'm heading overseas to SE Asia first and then we will see where the journey takes me.
Love this...I'm an empty nester now and am exploring "... what's waiting on the other side of all that growing." I also like the 2nd person POV. You've inspired me to write a letter to my son. :)
I’m a 56 year old mom trying to figure it out too. 🙂 Thank you for this essay. It resonated so much with me.
As my daughter heads to college, the bittersweet memories of once being her object of desire 🤣 where I’m now her afterthought are tough to sort through. And for me to take care of myself (and with my therapist!).
I’m so damn proud of her and know we are pushing each other out of the nest to both fly!
That is beautiful, and I understand from the depths of my soul.
My God. I feel all of this. Deeply.
Losing oneself to devotion is exactly what it is. I wish I could do it all again. But I can’t, so I move forward.
Bravo! You said it perfectly. I’m gonna send this to my kids, as I am sure they are questioning if I am a bit off my rocker too! lol!
Beautiful letter to your grown children ❤️ sums up a lot of how I feel, minus the fun journey on the road at this time ❤️
Hi. i appreciate how your framed "I am getting acquainted with myself. There is an Emily Dickenson quote that sort of aligns with what you are saying: "I am out with lanterns looking for myself." I haven't lost myself but getting acquainted with her. Thank you.
I've always loved that phrase of hers "out with lanterns." Like this writer, it's so full of wonder and optimism.
Thank you for capturing this and putting it in such beautiful words. It’s such a happy pain and it helps to know others understand this bittersweet phase of life 💕
A lovely essay. Your children are lucky to have you.
Travel safe!
this is so relatable - the journey is real and I wish you all the best on it!
I am at a very similar place. My two boys were my everything as a single Mom. But now, 26 & 24… I barely hear from them. Mostly it’s to the point of feeling like I mean nothing. It hurts really bad sometimes.
I did a solo trip to Ireland last fall and had an amazing time. I’d love to see if I could do what you are doing, on a shorter trip as I’m still working full time (in healthcare as well).
You’re an inspiration and I’m enjoying watching and hearing your stories. Safe travels!!
My two youngest are close in age to yours.
It’s not an easy transition. But, I admire (and a little jealous) your courage to do what you are doing. I traveled to Ireland alone and rented a car for 13 days. I should be able to get in my own car and drive. But the thought of sleeping in my car alone freaks me out. And I need to use the bathroom usually once a night. 🤭
This resonated with me! I'm on a similar journey except it's not going to be in the U.S. I'm heading overseas to SE Asia first and then we will see where the journey takes me.
Yes! We all need to say these things out loud and then come together and say them again!
Love this...I'm an empty nester now and am exploring "... what's waiting on the other side of all that growing." I also like the 2nd person POV. You've inspired me to write a letter to my son. :)
I love this. ❤️
Beautiful essay and thank you
✨❤️
I love this, you have put into words everything I feel about my son reaching adulthood.
Whoever wrote that explains exactly how I feel. I’m so crying. I’m saving this in case I need help explaining it some day.
I’m a 56 year old mom trying to figure it out too. 🙂 Thank you for this essay. It resonated so much with me.
As my daughter heads to college, the bittersweet memories of once being her object of desire 🤣 where I’m now her afterthought are tough to sort through. And for me to take care of myself (and with my therapist!).
I’m so damn proud of her and know we are pushing each other out of the nest to both fly!