After a fun-filled weekend in Montreal, touring McGill University and hanging out with friends (see all the pics here:), I returned to our lake house yesterday and took the bright yellow canoe out with Devon for the first paddle of the season.
Destination? The ice cream shop, of course!
This season of life involves so much reflection as I look back on all the years behind us.
Our girls are graduating high school in a few short weeks. I continue to believe that life with our kids gets better and better, yet, I find myself day-dreaming about the days when they were tiny.
I'm allowing all the big emotions to go through me including the "what if's" and "could/should have's" that, I believe, is part of being a Mum and a woman in her 50's.
I often learn how I want to "be" in the future be looking at what went well, and not so well, in the past. Connecting with these 3 kiddos and riding the ups and downs of the evolution of our relationship, as they become young adults, is the focus of most of my time, energy and decisions these days.
Devon has completed his first year at Carlton and has set himself up for summer courses, summer jobs and ultimate frisbee leagues (all plural - this boy never sits still!). Ashley is off to Royal Military College and basic training this summer and Katelyn is still weighing her (many incredible) options for University this fall.
I'm in awe at the ways our family's worldview and opportunities continue to expand. We take our responsibilities from this place of privilege very seriously and continue to lean into the ways that our lives can be used for the greatest possible good.
As you negotiate this season of life, may you find blessings in the bittersweetness of it all.
Admittedly, it isn't always easy so I encourage you to reach out for support if things are hard. I also, strongly advise, surrounding yourself with the people who have your back and welcome the fullness of your human experience - because every single one of us needs a good, grounded friend to lean on when we break down and cry (and we all do).
Summer is a time of rest, recovery and seasonal, sensual pleasures (like canoe rides and ice cream) and our EWC community may be just what you need to lift you from burnout into bliss - learn more and come along for the ride: https://www.ewcircle.com/community