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Nikki, thank you for this special chat. I am so inspired by you as a wife and mother. My daughter has started high school this year. I am surprised at how I am struggling with this. I know she will encounter many new situations and I pray that her Dad and I have equipped her with wisdom. I know it's not the same as going to college, but I do know that these four years will go by so quickly. I will keep you and your family in my prayers as you enter this new chapter.

My son started pre K and each passing year I feel like I'm letting go. The constant pull of grief and joy is ever present. A beautiful video. Thinking of you during this time. No doubt you're sending an honorable and wonderful man into a world that needs more. ❤

I so understand what you're feeling! This year has changed everything for me. I went through severe work burnout that resulted in an early retirement for the sake of my mental and physical health, moving to a new home, and then both of my children getting an apartment together for a few months until my baby gets married. My world has been turned upside-down. What has sustained me through this time is the God who promised to never leave me, as well as the knowledge that I spent the best years of my life giving everything I had to the job of mothering. Our family is close-knit, and I hope to continue that as we add a son-in-law in a little over a month. My role as mother has already changed, as I learn to respect the adults my children have become. But I have to be honest - Sometimes it's hard on a mom's heart. And I think that's normal.

Nikki, you shared this so beautifully. Motherhood is bittersweet. I appreciate your words for my own challenge right now, and I am sending you a prayer and a hug.

Your daughter did an awesome job!

Oh Nikkie, I have two boys of my own and this makes my heart beam and ache all at the same time. My oldest is starting JK next week, so we are on opposite ends of the spectrum. But I know in a few blinks of an eye I will be in your shoes. May God bless your boy as he begins this next chapter and may your heart be protected from worry and anxious thoughts.

Dear Nikki, I can almost not fathom God’s Goodness in delivering this message to me today! His Love never fails to amaze me. Thank you for this video/message today as I quit my job this morning at 9:00 after working there for 3 and a 1/2 years. I know it was the right decision because immediately my peace returned. I am so thankful for my husband’s support & love. We are both thrilled I have returned home to my most important and God-given role. Letting go and entering a new stage is a little scary but also kind of exciting. I will include you in my prayers as I pray about all this. I believe it will be even important right now to lean into Him, our loving Father, and His Word. God bless.💕☺️~S

Its more difficult for mom with son. I felt as if I've lost my son. cried for 6 months when he went to university. it does get better Nici. You've raised him well and prepared him for the world.

Our kids growing up is bittersweet

your dog is cute in a praying position.

Totally off topic, watched an Agatha Christie Poirot show and Nikki you have an actress that looks so much like you. Her name is Eleanor Tomlinson. So fun.

Oh Nikki, I feel your heart and all the emotions that come with letting go of our children. It's a huge life transition. It takes a lot of time to digest all the things. And I have learned, that we never really stop digesting the passing of time and the deep love of being a mother. I am a mom of a 34 year old daughter and a 30 year old married son. They are happy and healthy and living good lives. This makes me so happy, but the longing for them is always there. There are many days that I wonder who I am without them. That's a mother's heart and deep love. I press forward like you are doing and that is healthy. Please know you are not alone. I am here. Sending all my love. Darby

I hear the pain in your voice Nikki. The sound of a mothers cried out voice, it makes me want to cry because my babies are growing up so fast and I realize my time at home with them is so short!😭 My hard this summer was loosing my sweet father to Pancan. He was only 56 and I held his hand till he took Jesus’s hand, my heart is broken that my children ages 9 and 6 won’t get to make more memories with him. 😢 life on this side of heaven is just sad! Oh we long for the day when we are finally home, all is well at last! 🫂

Hi Nikki! This weekend my husband and I moved out of our house in Illinois. We have living there for 35 years. Let me tell you it was so hard. It was brutal emptying our basement., giving away furniture and finally signing papers to finalize the sale of our property. I have felt that sadness you are feeling now. I think we mother know in our hearts that letting go is part of being a mother. We give our children wings to fly. We give our sons to the world to be men. We give our daughters to the world tone women. There is no such thing as a perfect mother. ❤ We did our best. Moving forward now one step at a time with God’s help.

What I’m letting go is my dog of 12 years (Pancho) suddenly passed away on February 18th. I’m still not over it, it breaks my heart. I miss him everyday. Also moving out of our home (Missouri) to Texas with family. I feel like I have had 2 losses 😢 it’s been a hard transition, but now settling in here with family and grandkids…..it’s going to be terribly hard to leave back home to California. 😢 We pray, and yes it tremendously helps, I try to think that door is closed…. Our life in Missouri and maybe somehow God planned this all out for us because I know we are helping out by picking up kids and cooking, so we are letting go and let God!! 😊 Take care friend I will be thinking of you!

It's so insulting when people insist that people like you don't exist and that it's all an act for clicks. That no one "real" cooks and cleans and raises children with "perfect hair and makeup." No one "real" cooks and cleans and raises children "in a $200 dress." (Yes, I know you buy secondhand...not the point lol) No one "real" has a clean house. Et cetera. Et cetera. Are they just projecting their own shortcomings and insecurities? Are they jealous/envious? Are they simply miserable and disillusioned about their own lives? I'm not sure, but it bothers me hearing so many people, usually women, saying these things. Thank you, Nikki, not only for being real, but for setting such a wonderful example. (This is prompted by recently being part of a conversation on this topic where it got to a point that I had to just walk away. I'd have better luck talking to a wall...especially when the ridiculous notion of patriarchy/misogyny came up.)

I really understand you, as my son is in the last year of High School. One of my best friends, who is older than me and went through this time before, told me a beautiful advice: “Don’t focuse on the past, on those sweet days of childhood. Enjoy and share new moments. They are different, but special as well. Sending you tons of hugs 💕💕

Oh Nikki-it’s been a really rough summer for us too. Our daughter graduated and suddenly decided to move out. She’s also walked away from God and Christianity into darkness. It has been heartbreaking. And then we had a tragic death in our family as well. So I can sympathize and empathize with you. I’m so thankful for my faith. I don’t know how people get through the hardships of life without a relationship with the Lord through Jesus. Your video was so beautifully poignant. And little Lady was like a ray of sunshine in the midst. God bless. 🌸 PS. I LOVE your framed Scripture throughout your home. So beautiful and strengthening. 🙏

Thank you for sharing this vulnerable part of your life, Nikki. I have much younger kids than you but am also going through that phase of change and seeing them grow older as my 4 year old will be going to preschool this year. It’s SUCH an emotional time! Praying that you have peace and comfort as you adjust to the new, older years with your son!

❤❤❤

Our fourth and last child has started college. My husband or son makes the 45 to an hour drive to take her to the campus. She has been identified with autism level 1, but she has a goal and determination. Yes, I, too, felt the same with all four children. Two are now married and have children of their own. Although they have their own lives, I still celebrate and mourn with them. They will always have my heart and my prayers. Beautifully stated, Nikki!

As your son finishes school mine is just beginning! He turned 5 this year and just started Kindergarten this week. ❤ His excitement and joy about school is giving me all the love and happiness. My daughter also started 3rd grade this year which is also so crazy to me, they’re both in school together now. I kept telling my son before school started that it’s his last few days of early childhood ever and it makes me sad to see those years gone by already but so excited for what’s to come! Much love to you during this transition time. ❤❤

I understand so well, Nikki. We have three, now grown, kids. On the same weekend our newly-married daughter and her husband moved out of state for graduate school and one of our sons moved away to college. Again, the same weekend! My husband, younger son and I stood on the driveway numb, not knowing what to do next. It was to be our new normal. Beautiful blessings awaited, but it was a season of adjustment. We are now empty nesters with seven grandchildren and love our season of life. God’s grace provides in each season. God bless you!

I resonate so deeply with you. Children growing up and moving on is so difficult. I feel my 40’s were a constant struggle to let go of my children as they grew up and graduated from high school, moving onto college. I struggle still, my purpose has changed, my life has changed. I pray each day that God would show me what His purpose is now for my life. My daughter is 21 and just got married this year, my son is 23 and will be me moving out of the state soon. I struggle every day. Thank you for addressing this and sharing. Such a sensitive time, praying for you ❤

so your son is out of home I wish him all the best .Is he starting college? May the Good Lord keep hi safe.

This is tough! I have a junior in college and a senior in HS. When my oldest left for college, I cried when we left her dorm room after getting her all moved in. I cried myself to sleep that night, in the airport coming home and for days after. Seeing her empty room and her not being there was the hardest for me. My youngest went BTS this past Monday and I was pretty emotional about it. I'm definitely worried when she leaves for college this summer. As a SAHM of 20 years, this chapter is about to close and I'm already feeling lost. I think if I had a career and more of a purpose going forward, that would help. I joined a FB group for Empty Nesters. I find that supportive. I'm taking this school year to get my ducks in a row so that I'm not left feeling lost. Chin up Erica. Our feelings are normal and valid. Be gentle with yourself and allow yourself the space to grieve. It really is a loss. Thanks for being vulnerable. X's, Leslie

Thank you so much for sharing this with us! I am in the early stages of this process. I am already feeling the pains of the change that is coming. I love that you said, I hope it was enough. That was such a comfort to me. I often look back and wish I could do better or different but enough is all we need from each other. God is faithful to provide for our needs perfectly. You have encouraged me to keep praying for my children!

Nikki, I wish I could give you a big hug! Our youngest just left for college last week. I do think the oldest is the hardest because it is such a drastic change from the Family unit you were used to. I remember feeling a sort of grief/sadness when she left. She went to a military Academy so it was even harder because we couldn’t talk to her. I do want to tell you, though as they leave, your relationship will grow and develop, and as it was for my daughter, we have developed a deepening friendship that was not possible when I was parenting her when she lived at home. Sending you big hugs and prayers to feel better.

Nikki, everything you feel is normal ♡ Just know that it gets easier with time. We keep growing, just like our kids do. Aren't you glad your little Lady is there to cheer you with her sweet little ways? (The past 18 months have seen every "rug" in my life pulled out from under me. But it's not my first rodeo, so I know to just keep plodding along, trying to trust that God has a plan for me.) 🕊

It’s been about 4 years since my son moved to Arizona( we are in Georgia) and my daughter went to college. I had a very hard time with this big change. Our house is so quiet now. We don’t get to see our son as much since he is so far, but we do call and FaceTime. We get to see our daughter about once a month. She graduates this year and will starting her career as a teacher. We are so proud of our kids, but miss them so.I know how it hurts. We pour so much of ourselves into our children as mothers. You are right about having your husband for strength. I don’t know what I would do without mine. I’ll be praying for you.

I’m in the early season of parenthood. My eldest is 4 and my mind keeps racing to all the things we will go thru,. I pray to be more intentional every day and not become so overwhelmed in what will be but on what is.

This video was beautiful honey, from beginning to end. In a time where so many young women with kids are so self absorbed, your love for your family shines. You work hard for your family, and you love the Lord ♡ Thank you for sharing your vulnerability as a mother with us .

Hi, Just a text to say my kids left home when I was 40 & 44 years old. I’m now in my sixties and am a grandmother of 5. Becoming a grandmother has been the most special time of my life. A second golden age with young children. Have faith that motherhood never ends and move on toward that second golden era. ❤️❤️❤️

Praying for the Lord to comfort your spirit, Nikki❤🙏🏻🕊

Sending you all my love Nikki , I feel like you are a friend and I want you to know you are loved and in my prayers ❤and I’m so proud of you xxx

Hello Nikki l really feel your pain it is incredibly hard when our first child leaves home. I had 3 children all married now , and 5 Grandchildren. It bought it all back as you were talking about it , so very hard to let them go. The Lord will help help you, l will be praying for you. Loved little Lady snuggling up to you, she loves you so much. Take care Nikki.❤❤

Go out every day, spend time with friends and other people.

My daughter got engaged and she’s moving out in 2 weeks…she had moved home for awhile to save up some money. She will be close by but still I will miss her terribly - we are extremely close. She was due to move in June but extended her move date to help me. I was diagnosed with a tumor in my lung this past spring, and in July I had it surgically removed - not an easy surgery but I’m happy to be alive and happy to be (hopefully) cancer free! It’s been a lot. I can relate to what you’re going through. Is your son at college or will he be working? Is he living close by? If he’s in the vicinity he might be home more often than you think for mom’s cooking!! 😊❤️

Remember when you think you have it unbearable their is always someone who has it worse then you. Be grateful for what you do have.

I’m feeling so much of this right now, too! Our oldest son turns 18 tomorrow. Thankfully this is his senior year, so we get a little more time. ❤ next week our second son turns 15. 10 days after that, our third son will be 11. 😳 we do have our little girl, still only 5 and starting kindergarten. So an empty nest is still a ways off for us. Nevertheless, the transition to parenting a young adult is tough! ❤

Hugs and prayers for you, Nikki. It's going to be okay. You'll see. ♥

Oh Nikki, I cry because my baby boy is 8 already. We are so close and I know I will never be ready for your stage and it's coming fast. Your love for him will be eternal. Mother to mother we are together and I send you love in this difficult chapter. My husband moved out of home at 17, suddenly without warning and broke his mothers heart. She was so patient with him, kept dropping him off home cooked meals at his porch for many years just reminding him that she still loved him. When first I met him I would visit him and find contianers of food and notes of motherly love and didn't understand what it was about. Now he is in his 30's they have the closest bond, she is almost my best friend, the best grandmother and almost a part of our immediate family her bond with him is stronger than ever. Give him time and just love him whilst he grows up and matures, and finds his way god will be with you both.

You are going to make me cry I’m almost 20 weeks pregnant with my third son my other two are six and eight and I cherish all this time I get with them and I’m aware of how fleeting this time is💙💙💙 thinking of you during this change 💙

(HUGS) After having all four of our children grow up and leave, I feel for you. I cried and mourned each leaving. They don't teach us much about this phase of children growing up. I feel that having adult children is harder than toddlers!!

Ok, I love pretty much all of your dresses but the one you are wearing here looks like a real bone china teacup and saucer set from 1970 that our eldest just inherited! Love it! 😍

It’s okay honey. I remember when my son left for college as a single mother I was proud yet, I closed his door to his room cried for 2 weeks then I finally opened the door….. smelt something funny looked under his bed and there was 1/2 McDonald’s hammer under there lol ewwww….. I cried on that one too. It eventually settles down and he will miss you and visit. Xoxo my heart and love is with you. ❤❤❤❤🤗🤗🤗🤗

Aww, this brought back so many memories for me. I remember when my oldest son was getting ready to leave for college and I started to cry as I hugged him goodbye. Then my daughter moved out as soon as she turned 18 even before graduating from High School, that broke my heart. But she did graduate, and we have a good relationship today. It's funny my youngest son had to move back for a while, and we were ready to have an empty nest when he was able to afford to move back out. Our mama hearts go through so much. I pray so much for my kids and now grandkids! And I agree it's wonderful to have the support of your husband, and that he is a godly man.

HI 👋 NIKKI I FEELJUST LIKE YOU. I LOST MY HUSBAND IS GOING TO BE 2 YRS IN JANUARY, STILL FEELING VERY SAD 😔 I MISS HIM SOO MUCH MY HUSBAN WAS A PASTOR IN OUR CHURCH ⛪️ IS NOT THE SAME WITH OUT HIM ANYMORE. I, M ALWAYS FELL LONELY AND SAD. I PRAY IT FELLS THA’T I DON’T GET ANY ANSWERS. PLEASE HELP ME TO PRAY 🙏 AND GET MY ANSWERS SOON.

Thank you for this video. This adjustment of a firstborn son going away to college is very painful. I am feeling and thinking all these same things!

I felt the ache of your mama heart and it brought back the feelings of when my son, also first born, left for college. We also have one daughter, who unfortunately for her lol, we heaped all our love and attention on after our son left. I missed him so much but I can tell you, you will adjust to the new normal. Boys love their mamas and I had to be so brave and never let him see me cry when he came home for a visit and had to leave because I didn’t want him to worry about me. He’s now 33, married with 6 year old triplets and still calls me at least 3 times a week. I’m sorry this is so long but the pain in your voice was so evident I wanted you to know you’re not alone in these feelings. Keep praying for him and yourself. God bless you.