By Emaline Ashe 
Motherhood. A tremendous, all-encompassing role. One that takes a great deal of energy, time, heart, and soul to do it justice.
When you’re raising a child, you become so immersed in their world: babyhood and the exciting firsts; toddlerhood and tantrums; preschool and playdates. Elementary and middle school years are packed with homework, after-school activities, and carpooling. And finally, high school, with its greater autonomy and nerve-wracking firsts, such as driving and staying out late.
The years pass simultaneously quickly and slowly. Next thing you know, you’re helping your young adult prepare to fly from the nest.
We teach our children to be independent and strong, and raise them to live without us. But here’s the thing—no one prepares us as parents for this unnerving transition.
As moms, we do our best to manage the overwhelming feelings of sadness, loss, and nostalgia. All while trying to let go and shift into new identities—ones that no longer revolve around motherhood.
In just over a month, we’ll be moving my son to culinary school, almost a thousand miles away. I’d be lying if I said I feel remotely ready for this momentous change.
It’s heavy. And even though I have mom friends going through the same thing, it feels very isolating.
So, if you are nearing the empty nest, I see you. And understand how hard this is.
As this chapter of motherhood comes to a close, another bittersweet one begins: parenting an adult child.
And another era begins: one in which we relearn how to focus on ourselves as individuals and rediscover our aspirations.
My lovely, almost-empty nesters, I’ll see you soon on the other side.
by Cherith Fluker 
by Ellie Hunja 
by Amy Keyes 
