You are approaching a huge life transition: launching kids. It is a big deal for them but an even bigger time for you because so much of your time, energy and presence has been centered around them. So, you are right where you need to be. And the emotional leaking now is far better than pushing it down out of sight. Acknowledging it, feeling them now is best while you still have them in the nest.
I loved this Shawn. I'm only 33 but I'm a puddle a lot of days too. But your writing makes me want to look at life and think about how I want to live it. A gift.
Hey Shawn! This was marvelous. I have always thought the appendixes were like easter eggs. This page though, if I had read it, I had forgotten. That is powerful... the beds next to King Elessar for our tall halflings, and Gimli and Legolas setting sail. It's always sad when the story is full over.
I loved your question that maybe it's just older people that are grumpy about advertisements. Haha. Maybe I'm old now too.
I've found it funny that oftentimes it's not the typical "milestone" birthdays that are tough. My most challenging ones have been more related to life stages and changes, much like what you're facing at 48. At this point, I've got 10 years on you, with 60 looming not too far in the distance, and let me tell you ... THAT feels crazy! And impossible. And like I'd better get moving on the things I hope to do in this lifetime.
P.S. Just today, I had to chuckle when I saw online that one of our local libraries has just ordered a nonfiction book called No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson. Thought you might appreciate the irony of that title!
I'm trying to figure out if that's you without a beard in the photo strip!
I'm only 40 and filled with nostalgia and emotion at times as my boys are almost 19 and 15 and SO self-sufficient and grown up and when did this even happen that tables are turned and they're giving ME advice?! 😆
I expected a different outcome to the “tear-free” segment…because for whatever reason that marketing line fills me with longing and sadness over childhood and innocence, and, to your point, the ever-present emptiness of marketing promises.
I feel like this is a wonderful poetry prompt. My head is stirring.
Thank you for sharing your growing-older thoughts. I’m 10 years behind you but feel akin.
Tear-free shampoo. I laughed so hard I cried reading parts of this . . . then cried too when I realized I'm only a couple years away from your oh so old age of 48 myself.
My husband says he can't wait to be one of those old guys pointing at kids with a crooked finger saying, "Get off my lawn!" (He's already there, honestly.)
You are approaching a huge life transition: launching kids. It is a big deal for them but an even bigger time for you because so much of your time, energy and presence has been centered around them. So, you are right where you need to be. And the emotional leaking now is far better than pushing it down out of sight. Acknowledging it, feeling them now is best while you still have them in the nest.
Love you. Love you both. Also, I watch Survivor on Thursdays, commercial free. It's worth the wait ;)
Such a good call.
I loved this Shawn. I'm only 33 but I'm a puddle a lot of days too. But your writing makes me want to look at life and think about how I want to live it. A gift.
Thanks, Sam.
Hey Shawn! This was marvelous. I have always thought the appendixes were like easter eggs. This page though, if I had read it, I had forgotten. That is powerful... the beds next to King Elessar for our tall halflings, and Gimli and Legolas setting sail. It's always sad when the story is full over.
I loved your question that maybe it's just older people that are grumpy about advertisements. Haha. Maybe I'm old now too.
:) Thanks, Josh.
I've found it funny that oftentimes it's not the typical "milestone" birthdays that are tough. My most challenging ones have been more related to life stages and changes, much like what you're facing at 48. At this point, I've got 10 years on you, with 60 looming not too far in the distance, and let me tell you ... THAT feels crazy! And impossible. And like I'd better get moving on the things I hope to do in this lifetime.
P.S. Just today, I had to chuckle when I saw online that one of our local libraries has just ordered a nonfiction book called No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson. Thought you might appreciate the irony of that title!
I'm trying to figure out if that's you without a beard in the photo strip!
I'm only 40 and filled with nostalgia and emotion at times as my boys are almost 19 and 15 and SO self-sufficient and grown up and when did this even happen that tables are turned and they're giving ME advice?! 😆
I expected a different outcome to the “tear-free” segment…because for whatever reason that marketing line fills me with longing and sadness over childhood and innocence, and, to your point, the ever-present emptiness of marketing promises.
I feel like this is a wonderful poetry prompt. My head is stirring.
Thank you for sharing your growing-older thoughts. I’m 10 years behind you but feel akin.
Tear-free shampoo. I laughed so hard I cried reading parts of this . . . then cried too when I realized I'm only a couple years away from your oh so old age of 48 myself.
My husband says he can't wait to be one of those old guys pointing at kids with a crooked finger saying, "Get off my lawn!" (He's already there, honestly.)
I feel the same. Tears form at the craziest things these days at 51.
Ah i just love this. You write so well.