The Sandwich Stage, Big Emotions, and Lifelong Friends 💛 ‌

💌 Dear Readers,

This month has been emotional. My husband and I are in the sandwich stage — caring for our college-age kids while supporting our aging parents. There have been many tears — pride for our kids stepping into the world (please be kind, world!) and worry as we navigate next steps for our parents.

I’ve leaned on my ride-or-die friends — my college crew of 30+ years. They’ve seen me through wild college days, career changes, marriage, and motherhood. On November 2nd, my husband and I head to St. Maarten to celebrate the “baby” of our group turning 50 — a reminder that friendships only grow stronger with time. 💭 Do you have people like that in your life? Those who stand with you through wins, losses, and everything in between? I’m grateful for my Rhody Crew 💙 and my close circle of mom friends — their families feel like extensions of my own.

 

As October ends, I’ve reflected on life’s fragility: my mother saying goodbye to her brother, my mother-in-law fighting to stay mobile, and our parents sharing hopes for their 3rd Act. Friends like these anchor me through every act of my story. I know I can call them anytime — to laugh, cry, or just be heard.

 

I’ve been diving into emotional scenes between Becca and Justine — exploring the mother-daughter bond from adolescence to adulthood. Challenging, yes — but healing too. Next month, I’ll tackle 50,000 words in one month. It’s intense, but with coffee, music, and friends cheering me on, I know I’ll get through it.

 

As yoga teaches: let go of what doesn’t serve you. Holding onto big emotions doesn’t serve me, so I release them through writing, friendship, and connection.

(Spoiler: my next Maggie Malone children's book tackles big emotions for kids!)

 

So, dear readers, send me your well wishes as I take on this next chapter. And if you’re in the sandwich stage too — lean on your people. We’re all navigating life together.

 

With love, 

 Wendy 💕