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Deborah's avatar

Wow Linda, thank-you for writing this. This is truly how I feel. I still have 2/4 kids at home, one in college and one working from home. I know when those chapters (no more kids in college and an empty nest) are over, it will be hard. But I was so encouraged to read that there is freedom and happiness in the time we have with our spouses and friends and just for ourselves. Thank-you for sharing this. Deborah

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Linda Hanstra's avatar

Yes. That’s been my experience, and I hope that someday it is yours as well!

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Nancy Heynen's avatar

Lovely story!

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Linda Hanstra's avatar

Thank you, Nancy. ❤️

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Cherie Lee's avatar

I really enjoyed this, Linda! I can relate to the sadness as each phase of life ends. Sometimes it's hard to be patient and wait for the next phase, which is always wonderful when it comes! Congrats to your daughter on her degree!

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Linda Hanstra's avatar

So true, Cherie! Thanks for your comment and I’ll pass your congrats on to Chloe!

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Becky Kratz's avatar

Linda, thank you for this story. So hits home for me. My last one graduated a little more than a year ago and moved it in October of last year. Finding my way back to those days without children and enjoying my husband and the times I now spend with my grown children. It's definitely been a challenge. You've inspired me to slow down and enjoy each page more.

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Linda Hanstra's avatar

Thanks, Becky! It’s a good challenge and I know you’re up to it! I hope you had a Happy Mother’s Day!

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Kristi Magoon's avatar

Congrats to Chloe! (And to you, too, Mama!!) So proud of how far our Oles have come and how much they’ve accomplished in three short years since they left The Hill!

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Linda Hanstra's avatar

Thanks (from me and Chloe)! It is amazing, isn’t it? What has your daughter been up to since 2021?

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Kristi Magoon's avatar

Erin is working at the University of Iowa Law Library, with an eye toward going back for that Master's Degree in a Library program sometime in the next few years! I am constantly in awe of the strong women our daughters have become and the things they are accomplishing!

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Linda Hanstra's avatar

That’s great, Kristi! If she needs any advice about library school, I’d be happy to connect her with Chloe!

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Kristi Magoon's avatar

Thanks! Will reach out (but will dm you) when she gets closer to considering grad schools -- Madison is definitely in the running so far!

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May 19, 2024
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Linda Hanstra's avatar

Thanks, Cheryl! Congrats on the youngest’s graduation! And best wishes on filling up your nest again. We were back and forth several times before they all left for…what’s it been? Two years now. And we’re always at their beck and call if they need a temporary living arrangement again! (Note my use of the word “temporary”, LOL! 😂)

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