Hi Denise. My daughter introduced me to your work, and I am so grateful. This piece makes me feel like the adventure could really just be beginning, which is completely different than how I have been feeling of late. After homeschooling seven kids for over 20 years and having adult kids living at home, we're down to three kids at home, two of whom are in a Chesterton high school now, so I only have the 7th grader with me. It has been a season of finishing things, endings, doing things for the last time, seeing kids move three time zones away. I often feel old and like I have nothing left to contribute. I can't see what's next because all I've known for so long is all I know. Thank you for sharing these beautiful thoughts and helping me see something new through the fog that comes with so much change. I sure would love to meet you and have some coffee!
Hi Stephanie - welcome! I understand exactly what you are feeling - it’s a real thing! Each season has its challenges, I am finding. But be assured adventure does await! 😊 I wish you many!!
I pretentiously said that you are the best writer of this century, but my wife only said that every article makes her cry, which is the greater compliment.
This is just so relatable and so true. Not a single “khaki pants man” in my brood of eight! They have all taught me so much about the creativity of our God. My house has several rooms of William Morris wallpaper, and I just took my youngest son to college this year. Perhaps we need matching William Morris tattoos!
Hi Christy - thanks for reading and glad it resonated! I would highly recommend the whole tattoo experience with your son! = ) We had a very fun time of it! You could get one that matches your wallpaper! Think of that!
I loved this article when it was first published and I love it all the more with added photos! So much wisdom here about surrendering our dreams only to find God giving us new and better ones.
What helpful insights. Thank you for sharing - the lesson of being open to how my children explore and see the world and the adventures it brings me is a very good one to remember, especially as my oldest is about to leave the nest. Bonus - I now know who William Morris is.
Simply beautiful! As a mama who is in transition as her babies explore this world away from home. I appreciate your perspective to remain open to being invited into their dreams and plans. What a gift! 💕
Oh wow this piece. 💜 I am emerging into a new season of parenting as my oldest is 16 and my youngest 7. No more babies. And not too many years before an empty nest. These words are such an encouragement to my heart. Thank you for sharing!!
I read this with happy tears of understanding in my eyes. I felt every word and could relate to this experience. My children have grown up in the world of farming and while their father and I prayed and hoped they would find a future in something that has much more stability, predictability and financial security, they want to continue to live this agrarian life we have exposed them to. Our oldest son is an organic farmer in the heart of Nebraska and loves the changing seasons, the challenges of his work, and the reward at the end of a good harvest. He send us pictures and videos of the early mornings and late nights and he is so content in the blue collar work he does. No degree could have made him more at peace in life. Our youngest is looking to what he will do after his last two years of high school and we continue to pray that he finds meaningful work to bring his life fullness and joy.
We have always strived to give our children roots and wings...thank you for reminding us that we are not alone in this raising and releasing of our children.
Hi Denise. My daughter introduced me to your work, and I am so grateful. This piece makes me feel like the adventure could really just be beginning, which is completely different than how I have been feeling of late. After homeschooling seven kids for over 20 years and having adult kids living at home, we're down to three kids at home, two of whom are in a Chesterton high school now, so I only have the 7th grader with me. It has been a season of finishing things, endings, doing things for the last time, seeing kids move three time zones away. I often feel old and like I have nothing left to contribute. I can't see what's next because all I've known for so long is all I know. Thank you for sharing these beautiful thoughts and helping me see something new through the fog that comes with so much change. I sure would love to meet you and have some coffee!
Hi Stephanie - welcome! I understand exactly what you are feeling - it’s a real thing! Each season has its challenges, I am finding. But be assured adventure does await! 😊 I wish you many!!
I pretentiously said that you are the best writer of this century, but my wife only said that every article makes her cry, which is the greater compliment.
Thanks!! You both just made my day!
This is just so relatable and so true. Not a single “khaki pants man” in my brood of eight! They have all taught me so much about the creativity of our God. My house has several rooms of William Morris wallpaper, and I just took my youngest son to college this year. Perhaps we need matching William Morris tattoos!
Hi Christy - thanks for reading and glad it resonated! I would highly recommend the whole tattoo experience with your son! = ) We had a very fun time of it! You could get one that matches your wallpaper! Think of that!
I loved this article when it was first published and I love it all the more with added photos! So much wisdom here about surrendering our dreams only to find God giving us new and better ones.
Thank you!!!
What helpful insights. Thank you for sharing - the lesson of being open to how my children explore and see the world and the adventures it brings me is a very good one to remember, especially as my oldest is about to leave the nest. Bonus - I now know who William Morris is.
Simply beautiful! As a mama who is in transition as her babies explore this world away from home. I appreciate your perspective to remain open to being invited into their dreams and plans. What a gift! 💕
Oh wow this piece. 💜 I am emerging into a new season of parenting as my oldest is 16 and my youngest 7. No more babies. And not too many years before an empty nest. These words are such an encouragement to my heart. Thank you for sharing!!
I read this with happy tears of understanding in my eyes. I felt every word and could relate to this experience. My children have grown up in the world of farming and while their father and I prayed and hoped they would find a future in something that has much more stability, predictability and financial security, they want to continue to live this agrarian life we have exposed them to. Our oldest son is an organic farmer in the heart of Nebraska and loves the changing seasons, the challenges of his work, and the reward at the end of a good harvest. He send us pictures and videos of the early mornings and late nights and he is so content in the blue collar work he does. No degree could have made him more at peace in life. Our youngest is looking to what he will do after his last two years of high school and we continue to pray that he finds meaningful work to bring his life fullness and joy.
We have always strived to give our children roots and wings...thank you for reminding us that we are not alone in this raising and releasing of our children.