Embracing Change

Yesterday was the very first day
of school for my son.
And so, a new chapter begins -
one where all my children are
in their school years.

It feels bittersweet, as I know things
will never be the same again.

Our cozy days at home -
our days of cuddling, playing, and learning -
have slowly come to an end.

I know there are many amazing
adventures still ahead for us,
so much time together as a family.
But it will be different, not the way it was.

And there is a sadness that comes
along with it.

( Doesn’t change always come hand in hand
with sadness? )

But I’m okay with that.

Today, I will feel sad, and I am not afraid of it.

I will revisit the memories of this
beautiful time together -
of the fun days, the frustratingly mad days,
and everything in between.

I will look at the photographs and let myself
say goodbye to this chapter of my life.
Yes, I will grieve.

Because I know…

It’s okay to hold the excitement for the future
and the sadness of a chapter ending
in the same grasp.

It’s okay to feel it all, to sit with it all,
to make space for it.

And amidst this whirlwind of emotions,
I find strength in the shared experiences and
collective understanding of all parents navigating
these milestones.

So, if you’re currently feeling
the bittersweetness of a new beginning,
know that I’m sitting next to you.

With love,
E.