Sometimes our hopes for our kids align with their own desires. And it’s a pleasant surprise. When we, as parents, release our teens-suddenly now- young adults into the world, we are well aware of their fears, comforts, and quirks. Truthfully we all have them. But maturity also plays a role in recognizing them. Some of […]
How Memories of the Past Remind Me of the Need for Rest
Recently, I revisited the long ago struggles of rest time . Not for my kids. They are all young adults. This time, the resistance was all mine. A few months ago, I entered into a medically necessary time of rest following surgery. For six weeks. After the first two days, the restlessness began. Yes, others […]
Reflecting on the Importance of Deep Family Roots
“I miss Granny’s meatloaf.” my young adult son mentioned on the phone the other day. The comment seemed random as we weren’t actually talking about my husband’s beloved grandmother. Interestingly, it was the second comment in a two week span about missing one of her delicious food creations. Granny passed away almost seven years ago. […]
The Holy Work of Holding Our Big Kids’ Hands
It never occurred to me, as a new parent, the possibility that holding hands would never end. I realize now, it just changes posture. Originally, big hand and small hand clasped together, United. Connection. Security. Protection. But as the smaller hand grew , the strength of the grasp started to lessen. Independence beckoned, as it […]
Embracing the Determination to Walk Forward While Healing Unfolds
Currently, I recognize that healing has its own timeline. This truth is not new to me. I have my history of wounds, both physically and emotionally. I also have engaged with plenty of others who have navigated through brokenness, including my own child. https://stephaniejthompson.com/archives/1470 But sometimes the implications of healing don’t really register until they […]
Why Christmas Expectations of Parents of Big Kids Need Adjusting
The day after Christmas, I watched my young adult son back out the driveway to travel to his other “home.” The reality of Christmas now vs Christmases past continued to stir in my heart. I can remember, in what seemed only a few sleeps ago, his body wiggling excitedly as he lied in bed on […]
