Saying farewell can be a bittersweet experience. Some goodbyes are pronounced and heart-wrenching, such as when we part with a loved one or when our children reach milestones that signal the end of an era. However, there are other goodbyes that slip away silently, often unnoticed until we realize we haven’t connected with someone in ages. Those are the goodbyes I find myself experiencing now—quiet departures that linger in the background.
Perhaps it’s simply the phase of life I’m in—juggling children’s activities, school events, and family commitments while desperately trying to carve out a little personal space. Our schedules are packed, and our minds even more so. It feels like life is guiding us on a short leash, and we have little say in how our time is spent. I can’t help but wonder if this is a shared experience among my peers.
I find myself drifting away from my close female friends more than ever. What used to be fun evenings out has transformed into sporadic lunches, squeezed in between meetings and school pickups. Those lunches have dwindled to texts filled with plans for movies, girls’ nights, and spa days, which eventually evolve into simple messages like “Just thinking of you!” Now, I’ve reached a point where even those texts are infrequent. I’m sure my friends think of me, but sending a text often feels like just another task on a never-ending to-do list. I know this feeling well, as they’re also on my list.
It would be disingenuous to say I’ve fully embraced this new normal. While I understand the reasons behind it, I can’t help but feel a sense of loss. I miss the friendships that served as lifelines to the world beyond parenting—those moments spent unwinding with women who truly understood me. The camaraderie where we could celebrate small victories, share our struggles, and enjoy a glass of wine together while indulging in too many desserts. That sisterhood is something I deeply long for.
Despite this wave of goodbyes, I recognize that many of us go through these cycles. I harbor no resentment—just a wistfulness for the times we’ve shared. I know the love among us remains intact, and there’s a collective hope that life will eventually slow down, allowing us to reconnect over nachos and chocolate cake. When that time finally arrives, I’ll be ready with open arms, eager to share laughs and the love I’ve been holding onto.
Until then, I’ll make an effort to reach out, letting them know I’m thinking of them. Tomorrow. That’s the plan.
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In summary, navigating the intricate web of friendships as a mother can often lead to quiet goodbyes. While the bonds may feel stretched thin amidst life’s chaos, the love and desire for reconnection remain. We may be separated by time and distance, but the hope for future reunions keeps our hearts intertwined.