We leave early tomorrow morning for 6th-grade camp. And when I say we, I mean the whole household, minus the dog. My husband and I were lucky enough to get to chaperone. And I realize I may have a different definition of the word “lucky” after the end of this week with over 100 6th graders.

With all the preparation and anticipation of 6th-grade camp, there have been many walks down memory lanes.

My husband and I have been sharing stories about our memories from camp. My father-in-law ‘jokingly’ telling my kids about how he snuck out of his cabin and the pranks he pulled… thanks a lot for that one… we had to have a quick follow-up convo after with the kids to clarify in no uncertain terms that this WILL NOT be happening.

And memory lane is somewhere that can be bittersweet to travel down. It’s fun to share stories from your past. It’s nostalgic to look back at different experiences that shaped you. It’s also emotional to see your kids at that same age walking through those same experiences.

It’s that not-so-subtle reminder that time is passing, whether I’m ready for it or not.

And the only way to walk down memory lane is very gently.

Which is my encouragement to the two of you today…

Be gentle with each other.

Simple and yet so important.

Sending you both lots of encouragement in love!!

You got this.

-A

P.S. If your relationship needs some gentleness and encouragement… reach out. I’m here to help.