11 Comments

What a precious piece of writing! Parents and non-parents—anyone who is growing and changing—will enjoy this ultimately uplifting reflection on the losses a mother endures. I really admire Jeannie's vulnerability and authenticity. 🙏💚

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Thank you so much for the nod today, Don. I really needed that boost of encouragement after an especially draining week.

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I am a grandmother and now some of my grandchildren are adults. I so remember when they were young, and we did things together. My middle granddaughter lived with me during her senior year, and it really was a nice time. She was visiting me this week.....and we got so many things done. Although I totally love how they are as teens and adults, In fact the teen years have been great in many ways still miss some of the times when they were younger. And it does feel a bit like a loss. The days are long, but the years are short and pass even quicker as we get older. I remember reading you get 18 summers with them generally.....before they are off on their own life pursuits....yes, enjoy them while you can.

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Beautifully written, Jeannie! Your children are simply amazing and have such great insights. I agree that kids change us into different kinds of people. I am grateful for my daughter, who is now 16, and while I'm proud of her for whom she is becoming, I do grieve for that little girl I doted on. For me, parenting has become more difficult, as the teenage years can be fraught with angst, but I have also been pleasantly surprised by the teenage years. She has intelligent conversation with me, and I can see the kind of person she is turning out to be.

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I'm always in awe of what incredible people your children are, Jeannie. They do grow so, so fast. Even though I try to treasure each day and moment, sometimes it seems like time keeps whirling past me. I enjoy each stage (though I'm looking to the teenage years with dread haha), but it's true: they each come with their joys and challenges. Thank you for sharing your heart.

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Beautiful family photo and sentiment. I feel this—especially in the past year or two, with the teen years. I find change very hard to accept, particularly when you know you can never revisit a moment of pure joy or happiness in quite the same way. Thanks for sharing!

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I’m with you Jeannie! I have only 2 girls (18 months apart) and it was tough to imagine during those sleepless nights, with both my girls in (cloth!) diapers that one day I would be missing this. It was so, so hard. Now that I’m dealing with teenage hormones, I suddenly miss their cuteness. Their kisses, hugs, and innocence. When I see old pictures my heart breaks a little. I don’t want to go back to those days, but I have certainly learned to appreciate the present moment. Just paying attention.

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Have we talked about the Portuguese word "saudade?" The presence of absence. Felt it all the way through this gorgeous offering. 🙏

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♥️♥️♥️ Frim the mouth of babes! What beautiful words, Jeannie.

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Jeannie, your essay sparked a question in my mind: How can we, as adults, recapture that sense of childlike wonder and awe that you so beautifully described? As responsibilities and worries weigh on us, how can we keep that spark alive, that ability to see the world with fresh eyes and an open heart?

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Kudos on this text, you wrote it beautifully—honestly and from the depths of your soul. I truly enjoyed it from beginning to end, and as for the point of the story, I’ll definitely keep it in mind. ;)

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