Where it all starts

They always say it goes by in the blink of an eye.

And somewhere between sleepless nights, potty training, packed lunches, late-night homework, and endless sports schedules—you blink. And suddenly, you’re not prepping for the next chapter… you’re staring down a whole new novel.

This spring, my only son, Apollo, is graduating high school and heading off to college. And while I’ll always be his mom (or mama when he needs something), the dynamic is shifting. I’m learning how to stand on new ground—ground that’s quieter, unfamiliar, and full of possibility.

A little backstory: I had Apollo in April of my senior year of high school. Just two months later, I graduated in the top 10% of my class and headed to the University of Mount Union to pursue a degree in Accounting. Determined to make the best of an unexpected situation, I juggled textbooks and bedtime stories, part-time jobs and final exams. There were many long nights (and biology books read aloud to a baby), but four years later—I earned my Bachelor’s degree.

Of course, I didn’t do it alone. I had an incredible support system, and I know I wouldn't be where I am today without them.

Since then, my adult life has been a steady stream of pushing forward—always climbing to the next hurdle, the next goal, the next season. But this season? It’s different. With my son moving into his dorm and me officially stepping into empty nest territory, I’m not just facing change—I’m inviting it in.

And instead of letting fear take the lead, I’m saying: bring it on.

This space is my attempt to embrace this transition with humor, curiosity, and zero judgment. I’ll be trying new hobbies, prioritizing self-care, maybe traveling a bit, and doing everything in my power to avoid the full-blown midlife meltdown.

So if you’re on the verge of your own “what now?” season, welcome. Let’s figure it out together—one deep breath, one new experience, and one almost-ugly cry at a time.