Email: bariejoy@msn.com

I became a mother twenty-eight years ago. Now I am sending my youngest to college as another is getting married. We stand at a crossroads where each of us begins a new chapter in our lives. As I approach this empty nest period of my life, I am struck with the power of this moment and how our children help us so much on our path.

Becoming pregnant with my youngest was unplanned and a difficult time in my life. Giving birth to her was a commitment to embracing life and following my heart even when it was hard and there were many obstacles. And now 19 years later, I am so very proud of her. She inspires me to reach for my own dreams and to have the courage to be passionate about them because that is how she is with her own. She knows how to fly.

Two and one- half years ago, my second daughter became pregnant. She chose to have the baby but felt that she might not be ready to be a good enough mother. She and the baby’s father looked into adoption and found a family. It was a very difficult time for all of us. After she gave birth to her daughter and decided to keep her, we all gathered around her to celebrate and to help. We discovered the true meaning of “it takes a village”. We found that we were all there for each other by being there for them. I have been blessed to be included in raising my granddaughter with so much love from so many people. She is a magical little girl.

We stand at the threshold of new beginnings with a strong foundation built from nurturing the life of a new little spirit. As I watch my daughter dance with her husband and her daughter, and as my youngest is ready to soar, I am overcome with tears of gratitude.