Wow. This was absolutely beautiful and had me in tears. I had four children. They all grew up and are now on their own. I struggle daily with empty nest syndrome as I’m still not sure who I am if not a mother.

But here’s another perspective: I lost one of mine four and a half years ago at the age of 21 im a vehicle accident. All I have left of him are 21 years of memories. There will be no more.

Because of being in this club that no one wants to belong to, I know many other parents with children who have died. Sometimes, they not only grow up and leave the nest, but many will not have the privilege of growing old.

If I had known then that he wouldn’t make it past 21, I would have cherished every single tantrum, every poop-smeared wall episode, every moment I could.

You never know.

I still can’t believe I’m one of these parents.

Thank you for your article. I hope with all my heart that it helps parents of young ones hang on to their babies a little tighter.