That First Hug After Three Months: A Reminder of Love That Travels

The power of a mother’s love is knowing when to hold on and when to let go.

Last week, I got to visit my son, ya’ll! 😍 After nearly three months since dropping off my baby of the bunch, I finally wrapped my arms around him again. He’s now a C4C- a Cadet Fourth Class post-basic training, and seeing him step into this new chapter of life filled me with so much pride.

And let me tell you—that hug was everything. It wasn’t just arms around shoulders. It was a message straight to my heart. That hug said: “I’m still here, Mom,” and “You’ve done well.”

But as any mom knows, life doesn’t stop when our kids leave home, does it?

Living in Two Directions

As a single mom of two college-aged sons—one soaring in his first year at the Academy, the other navigating his junior year at another university—I’ve learned that this season isn’t just about empty rooms or quiet dinners. It’s about holding space for both celebration and concern.

Last week, I celebrated one son’s incredible accomplishments, but before I could even fully exhale, I got a call from my other son. He wasn’t feeling well. And in that moment, my heart stretched in two directions—one full of pride and joy, the other filled with worry and care.

We moms are wired to give, to show up, to love. And yet, as much as we want to, we can’t always be in two places at once. That reality can feel heavy—but I’ve learned something important: we were never meant to carry it all on our own.

A Tool for the Torn Heart

In moments like these, I lean into one of the most beautiful promises in Scripture:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

– Matthew 11:28

These words remind me that the love I have for my kids doesn’t come from my strength alone. It comes from God’s endless well of grace.

When my heart feels torn, I pause. I pray. And I remind myself that while I can’t be everywhere, God can. He’s with them, guiding, protecting, and loving them in ways I never could.

Here’s a simple tool I use when I feel stretched between celebrating one child and worrying for another:

🌺 Pause and Breathe – Step out of the emotions and ground yourself in stillness.

🌺 Pray and Release – Whisper: “Lord, I trust You with my children. Their victories, struggles, health, and hearts are in Your hands. Where I can’t be, I know You already are.”

🌺 Recenter on Love – Instead of focusing on what you can’t do, focus on what you can: celebrate, encourage, love, and trust.

A Reminder for Every Mom

That hug I got from my son last week reminded me of something powerful: love doesn’t stop when they fly—it travels with them.

It’s in the pride you feel when they succeed.
It’s in the prayers you whisper when they struggle.
It’s in the quiet realization that you’ve given them everything they need to rise.

And as much as our kids need to know we’re proud of them, we need to remind ourselves of this:

We’ve done the work. We’ve raised them to be strong, capable, and resilient. And while we give them roots to ground them and wings to soar, our strength comes from trusting the One who gave us the ability to love them in the first place.

Because at the end of the day, they are God’s children first. Before they were ours, He had a plan for their lives. And while we can’t always be there to guide them, He can.

To Every Mom in This Season

Especially to the single moms who feel stretched in two directions: remember this—love doesn’t divide; it multiplies.

Celebrate the moments you’re given. Feel the hugs. Say the prayers. Trust that God’s love goes with your kids wherever they go. 💙

And please remember—you’re not alone, and you’re doing better than you think. 💌

If this spoke to your heart and you’d love more insights on embracing this new season, click here to read my other blogs!