The photo is faded but the memory is vibrant. Do you have photos you revisit from your early days of being a new mom? My daughter asked me,” What was the scariest part of being a new mom?” I told her driving home, sitting in the back seat of the car with her next
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In celebration of baby boomers , parenting, grand parenting, aunting, empty nesters , and those about to empty their nest, let’s say who you are! I have inner strength and compassion, frosted in humor and caked in curiosity. What would you say you have? Don’t be shy about naming it. Here is what other
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My daughter lives too far away for us to get together this year. Sweet mom died. Are you in this emptiness for Mother’s Day? What is on your wish list to celebrate your devotion to your children? One mom bravely told me she doesn’t mean to sound ungrateful but this year she doesn’t have to
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It was so exciting speaking with parents and grandparents who were helping each other with remembering and celebrating prom with their families. I had this photo of eggs and asked, “What hatched that surprised you?” They were expecting party photos which we also had but this one caught them off guard. Surprises are
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“I’ve tried volunteering, book groups, swimming, and of course my work, but nothing is relieving me from missing being their daily parent.” This is one of the statements parents share with me while traveling this challenging transition. Our mind has the shoulds and coulds chattering away. The heart weeps and feels comfort from others. You
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Empty Nesters and their chicks are sitting on a fence. No one really knows what will happen in regards to the job market or how long they will fluff their nest, again. It is not looking good for some grads and for others; they are living their dream launch of the paycheck. They
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My daughter and I email each other pictures that we have taken. These are for EARTH DAY. I love it when she asks if she can print and keep some of mine. I am self taught and again, inspired by her joy of photography. Until I had an empty nest, I didn’t make time to
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Earth Day is a celebration of our environment. For me, a big shift came when my daughter would bring home her excitement from school, about how we can make a difference for today and our future. I had to be a good role model, right? She doesn’t live at home since she is a college
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I have been speaking with parents for years and I too travel the transition of an empty nest. My daughter is a happy college graduate. “What can help me?” That is a question often asked and for good reason.“Is this normal?” Each life is unique and a container. Containing memories, actions, hopes, losses, surprises
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I know that statement is obvious and when you read it, hopefully it serves as a reminder to keep a perspective. Knowing who you are and who your child is, can be an entry into a better relationship as they prepare to leave or have left home sweet home. Eloise isn’t organized. She
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I chose this photo as an exercise for being in the moment. When you are inthe moment and open , more choices and creative ideas come to you, as wellas quieting the voices in your head and calming your racing heart. Stress isnormal. Chaos and anxiety arrive. What can help you? Open the
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You didn’t warn meYou hyped me upYou disappeared. If you cared, you’d remember, signals save. You didn’t warn me. Fallen SteppedFaded I count on signsOr I wouldn’tClimb
Natalie Caine, M.A. natalie@lifeintransition.org