07/05/2026
In just a few short weeks, my youngest daughter will be heading to her orientation at UCLA and then beginning her freshman year in mid-September. This is my third launch, and it still doesn't get any easier. (It's just different:) Many of you who know me well know that I believe in signs, and there have been a LOT of them surrounding this transition and its timing. Maybe I'll share more about those another time, but they've been a beautiful reminder that even life's hardest transitions often hold the beginning of something new and meaningful.
If I'm honest, this is a transition I've been anticipating, and grieving, for quite some time. I know this is exactly what we've been working toward as parents. We raise our children to become independent, confident, and ready to launch into the world. But knowing that doesn't necessarily make it any easier.
My emotions seem to change by the day. I'm incredibly proud of Avery and so excited for this next chapter of her life. At the same time, I'm navigating the very real sadness that comes with closing such an important chapter of my own.
Our job was never to keep them close; it was to prepare them to thrive without us. As both a mom and an executive function coach, I've learned that independence doesn't happen by accident. It develops through years of guidance, support, encouragement, and gradually letting go...even when our hearts aren't quite ready.
As I've sat with these feelings, something else has begun to emerge. While this season is marked by loss, it's also full of possibility. Our children are stepping into new adventures, and we have the opportunity to rediscover ourselves, to reconnect with parts of our identity that may have taken a back seat, invest in relationships that have patiently waited, pursue passions we've postponed, and intentionally create what this next season of life can become.
The more I've talked with other moms, the more I've realized how universal this experience is. Whether your youngest is leaving this fall, your nest has recently become empty, or you're simply beginning to think about what lies ahead, so many of us are carrying the same mix of pride, grief, excitement, uncertainty, and the quiet question:
Who am I now, and what's next?
Those conversations inspired us to create The Bird Launcher Group—a supportive community for mothers of young adults (ages 16+) who are navigating this season together.
As a therapist and executive function coach, I've spent years helping people move through life's transitions, and I truly believe we aren't meant to navigate them alone. Connection, support, and shared understanding can make all the difference.
Lori is also preparing to launch her daughter, Grace, to Cal Poly in just six weeks. She holds a Master's degree in Holistic Health Education, is a Certified Professional Life Coach and Certified Guided Breathwork Facilitator, and, most importantly, is an incredible human. Together, we're combining our professional experience with our own personal journeys to create a space where moms feel supported, understood, and less alone.
Our hope is to create an environment where you can be honest about the hard parts, celebrate the exciting moments, and discover that this isn't simply about letting go...it's about launching them and yourself forward.
To keep the experience personal and meaningful, we're intentionally limiting the group to 20 moms. If you register by July 31, you'll also receive our Early Bird pricing.
If this speaks to you, or to someone you love, we'd be honored to have you join us. The flyer below has all the details, and please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Here's to not just launching our kids...but launching ourselves forward, too. 💙
