June 19 2023

“Holding onto Changing Love” is our theme for June and that feels appropriate to me for many reasons. Death is one kind of loss, but there are many others. Losses with health, relationships, and life transitions. One transition that has been present in my life lately has to do with college graduation. Before I go any further, please know that I am in no way comparing the intensity of these losses. Death is a category on its own. I’m simply sharing about another kind of loss and the ability to hold onto the changing love.

Our son, James, and his friends are all graduating from college. Some of them are starting what James calls “big-boy jobs.” Others, like James, are moving onto graduate school. Fortunately, because I already weathered both of our kids leaving home, I feel better equipped for this transition. What I learned from the “empty nest” is I could hold onto the changing love I have for our kids. They are no longer present with me on a daily basis, but they are in my mind, heart, body, and soul. When I think of them, I send my love. Again, this is nothing like a death, but we can continue to send love to our deceased loved ones too.