Something a bit different this week—this is a recording of an essay I wrote a year ago. It feels super-timely if the conversations I’ve had with mothers preparing to ‘launch’ their children into next stages—college, uni, a new job or life chapter of some kind—are anything to go by.

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Inspired by the words of Madeleine L'Engle, I’m hoping it might bring some comfort to those who mother in all the many, miraculous shapes and forms that takes.

Also? I’m 100% reminding myself here, too. I might still be waking up around, oh I don’t know, say 3.12 am since we passed some big milestones here this month.

When I wrote about it on Instagram yesterday, one comment summed it up: “dreading it!!! But you must have been bursting 🥰”.

That’s just it: it’s both, all at once.

Finally, as an aside, can I suggest giving the first Mamma Mia a miss for the foreseeable, unless you need the full-throttled, cathartic, wailing release that Slipping Through My Fingers always guarantees?

My daughter and I went with friends to see the stage version last week. Her bestie’s mum and I were BRACING for the moment when the dressing table was wheeled onstage and Donna reached for the hairbrush.

HIDEOUS.

WHAT WERE WE EVEN THINKING??

OK, I think that’s it for today.

Much love for the weekend! BIG hug!

Jen XXX

ps: if you’re interested, the Madeleine L'Engle book is Walking On water: Reflections on Faith and Art.

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