If I could talk to someone feeling the way I did — overwhelmed, proud, sad, hopeful all at once — I’d tell them that none of these emotions are wrong. This transition is tender, but it’s survivable and strangely beautiful.

I had to rediscover who I was outside of being a parent. It felt strange at first, almost selfish, but rediscovering old hobbies and reconnecting with myself made me feel alive again.

The strangest part was how my old habits lingered — cooking for too many, checking if someone needed anything, listening for footsteps that weren’t there. It took time to turn off that instinct.

I still remember that day vividly — the packed car, the long hug, and the sudden quiet that settled in the house. It felt like watching a chapter of my life close while trying to pretend I was fine.