This week, we dropped our oldest son at a university that is 1000 miles away. So, we are all transitioning into a new way of living. A friend gave me an article once (https://www.redleafpress.org/Assets/webinars/1-17-20/1-17-20-transition-handout.pdf) that spoke of three phases of transition–change, which is the event; neutral zone, like winter when it seems that nothing is happening; and new beginnings.

I find myself wanting to rush ahead to the excitement of new things, to push away painful emotions. But I know that prolongs sadness. When my children were tiny, when they were hurt, I would hold them and say “It hurts, doesn’t it.” They moved through the pain and crying phase much quicker than the times I tried to hurry them along.

I think there is something beautiful in the mourning and appreciation of what is over. It is a bittersweet cherishing. I know there will be brightness in the next phase. For now, though, I will be in my winter, feeling the aspects of myself trying to hold on. Then I will be ready for the letting go, becoming ready to accept the new.