Welcome to the new phase of life every parent faces, the empty nest. It’s that bittersweet time when the last child packs up and leaves only echoes in their once bustling rooms. Suddenly, the soundtrack of your life has shifted from a lively chorus to silence. For 18 years or more, school runs, sports practices, and the ever-present hum of family life framed most of your days. Now, your home feels a tad too spacious. It’s normal to miss the commotion and the constant interaction with your children. But you are entering an exciting new chapter in your life, just like your children are. Your role as a parent is simply evolving. You’ve been their guide, teacher, and protector for years, and those roles don’t just disappear — they transform. Your children will still look to you for support and guidance; this is your chance to be there for them in a new way. There’s no reason to be cut off from your children. Stay connected through texts, FaceTime calls, and good old-fashioned phone conversations. Discuss their new experiences and share your own. Arranging in-person visits can turn into new traditions for your family. Allow yourself to enjoy this different but equally rewarding aspect of parenthood. Now, let’s turn the spotlight on you. This is your time, a golden opportunity to focus on self-care and personal growth. Remember HOW TO ENJOY THE EMPTY NEST
those hobbies you shelved when parenting took center stage? Dust them off and give them a whirl! Painting, hiking, learning a musical instrument, or even skydiving — there’s no better time to explore old or new interests. With fewer responsibilities at home, you can pack your bags and explore. Whether across the globe or the state, travel refreshes your spirit and broadens your horizons, offering perspectives that can only come from stepping out of your comfort zone. Life doesn’t stop teaching, and we never stop learning. Your nest might be empty, but your life is full of opportunities waiting for you to seize.
Retirement is a legacy, and although one of our fondest clients, Diana (known and loved by all as “Mama”), is no longer with us, her legacy lives on in our memories and via this lovely picture shared with us by her daughter, Susie. We vividly remember every time she would come to our office, she would gleefully check out our stash of Ghirardelli square chocolates, with all the excitement in the world, like a kid on Christmas Day. First, she’d pick one — then she’d choose another flavor and then another flavor, and so on and so forth. Everything Diana did put a smile in our hearts. She was lovable and precious and had the most optimistic viewpoint of life. You couldn’t help but want to hug her. All 4 feet, 9 inches, of her were endearing and sweet. We have such wonderful remembrances of her. Even when Adam would visit Mama at home, knowing that the candies were her favorite, Adam would bring the Ghirardelli squares along with him — especially sea salt caramel, her favorite. We will always cherish the first time we met her in the spring of 2016 and then, later on, watching Mama delight in some of our client-appreciation events, such as Galentine’s Day. So, this year, as we celebrate a decade of milestones, we remember Mama as the true blessing she was — and is — to all of us. To know Mama is to love Mama! Thank you, Susie, for sharing Mama with us one more time! HONORING MAMA’S LEGACY Sweet Memories and Endearing Moments
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