Living hundreds of miles away from your family is hard. And the funny thing is, when we're younger, that's all we want. To move away, be independent, and build a life of our own.
But then you get older. You have kids. Your parents and grandparents get older. Your siblings start having babies of their own.
And suddenly, you crave all those things you once couldn't wait to leave.
Sunday dinners together. Sleepovers with cousins. Saturday morning playdates. Watching your nieces and nephews grow up. Being there for the little moments that don't seem so little anymore.
You miss an entire part of life happening hundreds of miles away.
For years, I craved friendships where I lived. Not just people to hang out with, but genuine friendships. The kind where you can show up exactly as you are, no pretending, no judgment.
And it took me nearly 10 years to find that.
Funny enough, it was my kids who brought those people into my life.
Through school, sports, and all the random things our kids decide we're doing on a Saturday, I've met some pretty incredible moms.
Moms I can tell anything to. Moms I can count on without a second thought. Moms who ask if Cooper can tag along on playdates because they know he's part of the crew too. Moms who are down for whatever spontaneous idea our kids come up with next.
Just some really bomb ass women.
And while nothing replaces being close to the family you grew up with, I've learned that sometimes you get lucky enough to build a little family right where you are.
These women have become that for me.
I hope they know just how much I appreciate them. Because when you live so far away from everyone you've ever called family, finding people who feel like home means more than they'll ever know. 🤍
