The closing of a chapter

In the past two weeks, my family and I have moved through one of the biggest transitions of our lives.

We had to make the difficult and heart-wrenching decision to move my dad out of his home and into a facility where he can receive care from others.

Even though life has been pointing us in this direction - and we all know it is the right decision, that didn't make it easier.

For the past season, I’ve been in a role I didn't ask for. For three months, I organized the care calendar, scheduled round-the-clock support for both parents, took my turns being the caregiver, and supported and held space for my mom. As it became clear that our current care plan was not sustainable, I researched, called, and toured almost a dozen facilities. I led family meetings. I helped make financial plans.

And when the time came to move forward, I was the one to look my dad in the eyes and give him the news.

On the day of the move, I witnessed my parents’ final moments together in their home.

I helped move him into his new living space, unpacked, met new caregivers, and advocated for his needs. Since then, I’ve been checking on him and my mom multiple times a day to support them during the transition.

To say it’s been an emotional chapter is an understatement.

I’ve felt layers of grief I didn’t know were there. At the same time, I had to drop into a level of strength I wasn’t sure I had.

For a while, it felt like I had my entire family on my back as we crossed this threshold together and stepped into this new phase of life.

💔

Why am I sharing this with you?

Because my intention has always been to share the moments and the lessons from my life that I think might serve you in yours.

And this chapter has brought so many.

✨ It is a privilege to love and care for your people in difficult times. My heart was meant to experience this so it could open even more.

✨ The strength I’ve had to find in myself is a gift. I fully believe this experience has been here FOR my highest good.

✨ And perhaps most of all, I am never alone. Even in the hardest moments, when it felt like I was carrying it all, I know I was always supported by my people and surrounded by love and light.

I’m still processing it all. And I know I will be for a while. But when I finally sat down to write, this is what came through….

So how might this help you?

If you are in a season of caring for aging parents (while simultaneously letting go of your kids as they grow), YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

If you are navigating any type of ending, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

And if you’re grieving any loss – or just feeling the heaviness of the world, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Over to you.

What transitions are you moving through?

What chapters are closing?

As we move into autumn, what are you letting go of?

And what new beginnings are on the horizon?

I’ll be over here continuing to honor the transitions I’m in, giving myself as much space and grace as I can. 

Love,

Mendy