Another post where you take me to that edge where I have to fight back my tears : )
Thank you. Beautifully written. What I'd add, is that as mid-life gives way to later life, so many of the endings - often a daily experience - hold grief in at times a burdensome and often sweet way. The new beginnings may be more like shy Lillies of the Valley, hidden in the shade of life rolling by. Any left over of moments of guilt or responsibility ease under the light of "acceptance" and faith.
“I’m no longer taking sole responsibility for things that are not mine to carry alone. I’m shedding that role in the same way Seabass shed the shirts that no longer suited him.” Love this, Mary.
This was a good one, and who doesn't love a poem by a Jesuit? I know I do. Thank you for your thoughtful words, the commonality all mothers (or caregivers) have with one another as they watch time pass. I resonate with the process of cleaning and sorting, as I am readying our basement for a remodel. As I go through boxes, I am often brought to tears and it is not the dust. Thank you for your writing, for sharing.
I am on my own timeline, which means late, as usual.
I love the reminder that endings are also beginnings. I need to remind myself of this and also that we all need to be patient as we grow into new things.
Wow. The universe is speaking to me every where I turn today. I kid you not, ever since I got up at 6:00 this morning. I loved your newsletter, as always, and the poem you shared at the end? I am presently going through the biggest, most excruciating transition of my life, and I am at the tip of a major turning point. It’s been a very long, lengthy process in which I have, and continue to, work very hard at every single day. I am saving the poem. Thank you, Mary! ❤️ Oh, and BTW? I laughed again when you were sharing what the parents of the young boy whom you gave the book to, might be first thinking. I love your sense of humor! 😊
Big hugs Susan! You might want to check out Sara Bessey’s Field Notes in the Wilderness. Transitions are so hard. May yours move you right where you need to be. Thanks for always sharing what makes you laugh. ♥️
Thank you, Mary! I have been working diligently and it truly does bring us to acceptance and where we are meant to be in the next part of our journey in life. And I appreciate the recommendation! 🌸🌺🌷🌻
Oh, I feel every word of this pocket. As a mom, as a teacher. I always found the last weeks of school so bittersweet, and you capture that feeling so well. I'm no longer working in education, but my husband still is, so my life is still flowing to the rhythm of the school calendar. We are in the in-between right now, for sure. (Not exactly a comfortable place, welcome as it is.) In August, my daughter moves to Sweden to finally fully start her life with her husband, after living with us for two years. I'm in the in-between there, too. A much harder one. I really appreciate you naming this place and giving me an opportunity to explore its tender spots.
Thank you for reading Rita and for the restack. My heart is with you through this time of tender transition. Dar Williams once said on stage that she felt like she needed armor for transition, and I felt so seen. I hope you enjoy this time with your daughter before the next phase. You are an incredibly thoughtful, alive person. I have no doubt you’ll find where you need to be physically and emotionally.
Beautiful post, Mary. I love that poem by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and was also needing to hear those words at this moment. I appreciate the gentle reminder that it’s okay, and even necessary, to be in the wilderness (as our kids grow up and our jobs change) because we can’t today be the people that time will make us tomorrow.
“I’m no longer taking sole responsibility for things that are not mine to carry alone.“ Phew, yes. The anxiety and the release of letting things (and people) go.
Working on it. Earlier this year, I read Melodie Beattie’s The Language of Letting Go and I think this is a book I might need to read once a year. I use her daily meditations as well when I’m really clinging.
Another post where you take me to that edge where I have to fight back my tears : )
Thank you. Beautifully written. What I'd add, is that as mid-life gives way to later life, so many of the endings - often a daily experience - hold grief in at times a burdensome and often sweet way. The new beginnings may be more like shy Lillies of the Valley, hidden in the shade of life rolling by. Any left over of moments of guilt or responsibility ease under the light of "acceptance" and faith.
It’s almost like you are a poet the way this comment reads- 🥰- love that image
PS: TY for sharing my substack in your intro, Mary!!! : )
Of course!
This is a beautiful post, Mary. You’re so good at holding two truths and explaining why they both matter.
What a huge compliment. Thank you! Thanks also for the restack and suggesting Sara Bessey to me.
“I’m no longer taking sole responsibility for things that are not mine to carry alone. I’m shedding that role in the same way Seabass shed the shirts that no longer suited him.” Love this, Mary.
Thanks Julie!
This was a good one, and who doesn't love a poem by a Jesuit? I know I do. Thank you for your thoughtful words, the commonality all mothers (or caregivers) have with one another as they watch time pass. I resonate with the process of cleaning and sorting, as I am readying our basement for a remodel. As I go through boxes, I am often brought to tears and it is not the dust. Thank you for your writing, for sharing.
Don’t you just love the Jesuits? 🥰
I am on my own timeline, which means late, as usual.
I love the reminder that endings are also beginnings. I need to remind myself of this and also that we all need to be patient as we grow into new things.
Happy summer!
Happy Summer! So glad you are coming to the party - don’t care at all if you’re late
Wow. The universe is speaking to me every where I turn today. I kid you not, ever since I got up at 6:00 this morning. I loved your newsletter, as always, and the poem you shared at the end? I am presently going through the biggest, most excruciating transition of my life, and I am at the tip of a major turning point. It’s been a very long, lengthy process in which I have, and continue to, work very hard at every single day. I am saving the poem. Thank you, Mary! ❤️ Oh, and BTW? I laughed again when you were sharing what the parents of the young boy whom you gave the book to, might be first thinking. I love your sense of humor! 😊
Big hugs Susan! You might want to check out Sara Bessey’s Field Notes in the Wilderness. Transitions are so hard. May yours move you right where you need to be. Thanks for always sharing what makes you laugh. ♥️
Thank you, Mary! I have been working diligently and it truly does bring us to acceptance and where we are meant to be in the next part of our journey in life. And I appreciate the recommendation! 🌸🌺🌷🌻
This was such a beautiful piece 🧡
Thank you Sonbol. 🌻 I am so glad you liked it and I appreciate you telling me. Wishing you a beautiful week.
Beautiful post Brings back so many memories
Oh, I feel every word of this pocket. As a mom, as a teacher. I always found the last weeks of school so bittersweet, and you capture that feeling so well. I'm no longer working in education, but my husband still is, so my life is still flowing to the rhythm of the school calendar. We are in the in-between right now, for sure. (Not exactly a comfortable place, welcome as it is.) In August, my daughter moves to Sweden to finally fully start her life with her husband, after living with us for two years. I'm in the in-between there, too. A much harder one. I really appreciate you naming this place and giving me an opportunity to explore its tender spots.
Thank you for reading Rita and for the restack. My heart is with you through this time of tender transition. Dar Williams once said on stage that she felt like she needed armor for transition, and I felt so seen. I hope you enjoy this time with your daughter before the next phase. You are an incredibly thoughtful, alive person. I have no doubt you’ll find where you need to be physically and emotionally.
Thank you for such kind words. And yeah, I'll take some of that armor!
Beautiful post, Mary. I love that poem by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and was also needing to hear those words at this moment. I appreciate the gentle reminder that it’s okay, and even necessary, to be in the wilderness (as our kids grow up and our jobs change) because we can’t today be the people that time will make us tomorrow.
We cannot. I’m so glad it resonated with you. Big hugs Vanessa!
“I’m no longer taking sole responsibility for things that are not mine to carry alone.“ Phew, yes. The anxiety and the release of letting things (and people) go.
Working on it. Earlier this year, I read Melodie Beattie’s The Language of Letting Go and I think this is a book I might need to read once a year. I use her daily meditations as well when I’m really clinging.