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Lara | The Parenting Tree's avatar

Ann 🥹 Your writing always inspires me to write. In this instance, reading this brought me back to a recent conversation I had with a 19-year-old, talking about his connection with his mother, and how conflicted he was feeling. It reminded me that parenting is different for everyone, and I admire your mindfulness in pausing and reconnecting during the different milestones with your son.

Happy 18th birthday to him! ✨

Dooley Noted's avatar

Thank you, Lara. 🥰 My own relationship with my mom is how I have reshaped my relationship with my sons. I still get scared to call my mom. 🤦🏻‍♀️ But I am working on healing that relationship, but grateful for the positive ways that it’s changed me. 🙏

Lara | The Parenting Tree's avatar

Relationships are always a work in progress, and I agree - either way, we get the chance to learn about ourselves ❤

Steena Hernandez's avatar

This brought tears to my eyes. 🥹 Your last line is so beautiful. What a meaningful gift for your son to have those emails to come back to throughout his life. I'm trying to soak up all these moments with my own kids because I know one day it'll be time for them to fly. ❤️

Dooley Noted's avatar

That post took a long time to write because I kept crying in between! 😭Thank you for reading. Yes, take it all in. ❤️🥹

Steena Hernandez's avatar

❤️❤️❤️

Papatya🌼's avatar

I’m truly deeply moved. It’s both heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. It’s sad to see them leave childhood behind, but watching our boy's journey into becoming an individual is so beautiful. And I absolutely loved the gift you made for him!🤗🤍

Dooley Noted's avatar

Thank you, Papatya. ❤️ It’s been a bit of a transition. As I go through my own with perimenopause, we are both starting a new chapter. Next week we will go and get him an ID card, open up a bank account. I am holding so many emotions at once. Thinking of all the times I wish we’d get to the next milestone, now trying to stay still a little longer.

P.S. If you listen to my podcast episodes, his voice (and his little brother’s) introduces me. I feel so proud every time I hear it. 🥹