Transformation

Red-Spotted Purple Butterfly


Today’s post was originally meant for the first week of September, but over the last few days, I couldn’t help but feel like maybe other parents are feeling what I’m feeling — so I’m sharing it now.


The other day, Hannah casually said, “17 more sleeps.”

I told her we’re not counting sleeps — not this time.

You see, we usually count down to vacations or exciting events. But I’ve been avoiding the countdown to Hannah’s moving day.


And then it hit me:

By not counting down, am I just avoiding the emotions that come with watching my kid leave the nest?

Absolutely.


If I’m being honest, this is a day I’ve been dreading — and yet I’m so excited for Hannah to start this next chapter. It’s a whirlwind of emotions: pride, sadness, hope, anxiety, and deep love. So what do we do with all that?

We sit with it. (Remember that discomfort post?)

We feel it.

And then… we move forward.


We can’t stay stuck thinking about how quiet the house will be, or how much we’ll miss them, or worrying endlessly: Will they make friends? Handle the stress? Thrive?

The worry train is real — but we have to shut it down.

So, how am I working through it?

We’ve planned a mini family vacation for Thanksgiving — something to look forward to.

I’ve scheduled a quick overnight visit.


Most importantly, I think about everything Hannah is going to experience: Frosh Week, meeting her roommates, connecting with like-minded students who share her passion for the environment. I know she’s going to thrive. I have no doubt.

To all the parents out there sending a kid off this September — you’ve got this.

You’ve raised someone ready to step into the world. Let them fly. Let them stumble. Let them grow.


Will it be hard? Honestly — yes.


But when it gets really tough, give yourself extra care.


Read a book. Listen to a podcast. Go for a walk. Sit outside. Do something that fills you.


It’s okay to feel the sadness. Just don’t stay there too long.

Just like this beautiful butterfly, who flew off moments after sipping from our butterfly bush, we’re all meant to fly