089 - When You Blink and They’re Grown

This week, I found myself sitting in a space I don’t think you can fully prepare for as a parent. My youngest daughter turned 21, and I’m still trying to wrap my mind around what that actually means. I’ve been intentional about being present through every stage of raising my kids, and yet somehow it still feels like it all happened in an instant.

I share a reflection that’s been on my mind since last week about unspoken expectations and how they quietly create resentment on both sides of a relationship. It’s something I’ve believed for a long time, but I’ve been seeing it from a new angle recently, and it’s added another layer of awareness for me.

Most of this episode, though, is me processing what it feels like to look at my children and realize they are fully stepping into adulthood. I talk about the different seasons of parenting. The physical exhaustion of the early years, the emotional weight of the teenage years, and the deep sense of awe that comes from watching them become who they are.

I also share the story of McKenna. The way she came into our lives, the realization that she wasn’t an accident but deeply wanted and meant to be part of our family, and the overwhelming pride I feel watching her live with intention and follow through on what she sets her mind to.

This episode is a mix of reflection, gratitude, and a little bit of wonder about how quickly life moves. I’m noticing how my role as a mother continues to evolve, and I’m holding space for both the memories of who they were and the excitement of who they are becoming.

Thanks for being here with me as I process it all.