I left a piece of my heart in Memphis, Tennessee two weekends ago, and no, it was not because of Elvis!! We launched my beloved, first-born child as she soared off to college on this new and exciting journey of hers. And now, while she soars and delights in exploring all that independent college life brings, 10 hours away from her Mama, I struggle with this big yawning, wrenching loss. I’ve cried, bawled my eyes out, done that ugly cry, and muttered to myself to keep it together and reached out to those moms who’ve been through this. Madeleine has a big, joyful energy and filled our home with song and laughter and I just really, really, really, miss her.

Perhaps it wouldn’t be so heart-wrenching if she were just 2 hours away and I could pop up for a lunch or go to see her in a play. I have no idea how parents of international students send their kiddos across oceans, as my mother did.  In fact I have a newfound respect and empathy for what my parents went through when they put me on that plane more than 30 years ago, unsure of when they’d see me next!

BUT truth be told, I’m feeling a lot lighter and am enjoying a new found sense of freedom! Have to remind myself I still have another kid at home!!!!   I’ve bounced back from this angst  much faster than I anticipated, thanks in part to Facetime, text and that darn Snapchat (which I still struggle with) and the love of wonderfully understanding and supportive friends. It helps to know she’s having a ball and seems to be excited about her classes, but mostly, my healing revolved around binge-watching Game of Thrones. I know, I know, exercise would probably be more beneficial, but my goodness, how exhilarating it was to watch Khaleesi and her 3 dragons, and 1000 ships, filled with the Unsullied and Dothraki sail out towards Westeros.  All I’m going to say is that we do, what we need to do. It is what it is. I have no wise and healthy words to share about healing and grieving beyond the fact that we all do it in our own way. So GOT got me through folks and I sure hope Khaleesi, Sansa and Arya rule the kingdom for years to come because Jon Stark says that  Winter is here!!!

And just in case you think I’ve really lost it, I want to share this new and wonderful project I’ve been working on for a while. I think the seed of this idea took germ when the reality of launching Madeleine, first hit me.  To honor mothers and all that being a mother involves, I’m launching a powerful interview series called, “REAL TALK: Conscious Journeys in Parenting.” I hope you’ll join me as we dive deep in these intimate conversations with several remarkable  women as we look at what it means to be an authentically connected and engaged parent and why it’s critical to walk the path of self-discovery and healing to be the best parent you can possibly be.

And while Khaleesi may not be joining us, I sure hope you will.  

Looking forward to continuing this conversation with you soon……