This past weekend was my oldest son’s senior year alumni and family weekend in Vermont. The crisp fall air, the changing leaves, and the excitement of seeing old friends and new faces made it one of those weekends you never forget.
As parents of seniors, we’ve been part of this tradition for a few years now. We know how much fun it is, but I also remember what it felt like as a freshman parent— showing up, not knowing many people, and feeling just a little out of place.
This year, I decided to bring along name tags.
Nothing crazy, just a simple way to help new parents feel more comfortable. We walked around, introduced ourselves, and offered them tags. To my surprise, people loved it. Parents smiled, conversations started, and what could have felt awkward turned into something warm and welcoming.
As I looked around, I realized why this mattered so much to me. These weekends have given me memories I’ll cherish forever. I know when this season ends, I’ll miss them more than I can even put into words. That overwhelming sense of gratitude made me want to make sure the newer families get to experience the same joy and connection.
If something as simple as a name tag helps that tradition carry on, then it’s worth every second.
The Small Things Are Never Really Small
It reminded me how often it’s the small things that matter most. Whether it’s offering someone a name tag, inviting them to join your table, or even just saying hello — those little actions create connection.
Sometimes we think making an impact requires something big or complicated. But really, it’s about being intentional in the moment.
This is something I think about a lot when it comes to navigating midlife transitions. We are in this season where so much is shifting — kids growing up, roles changing, the calendar looking different than it did five years ago. It can feel like you need a big plan or a dramatic reset to keep up.
You really do not.
The small, intentional things add up. They always have.
A Season to Remember
Of course, this being our last family weekend made it all the more meaningful. It’s the beginning of my son’s final lacrosse season, and I want to soak in every single moment. What makes it even sweeter is knowing our boys genuinely want us there.
Back in my college days, family weekends were polite dinners and quick campus tours. But here, we were invited right into the fun. My son and his friends are some of the most polite, welcoming, and fun people I’ve ever known. We had a blast together—almost too much, thinking we could still party like it was 1995.
Even though I’m still recuperating from all the excitement, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. These are the moments I’ll carry with me long after the final whistle blows.
When You Know a Season Is Ending
Here is the part I want to sit with for a moment.
There is a specific kind of feeling that comes when you can see the end of something beautiful on the horizon. It is not quite sadness. It is heavier and quieter than that. It is the feeling of something ending before you were fully ready, without giving you enough time to process it before the next thing begins.
If you are somewhere in the middle of navigating midlife transitions, whether that’s an empty nest approaching, a relationship shifting, a loss that that you can’t really name, you probably know exactly what I mean.
That is exactly why I put together my free guide, When A Season Ends. It is a heartfelt resource for women who are standing in that space between what was and what comes next. No pressure to feel better by tomorrow. Just a gentle reminder that you are not doing this wrong, and that one small step forward is enough.
Click here to grab When A Season Ends — it’s free and it’s yours.
A Little Insight to Carry With You
Maybe today it is a name tag. Tomorrow it might be a smile at the grocery store or inviting a neighbor for coffee. Small gestures do not just help others feel seen, they also make you feel more connected and purposeful.
This weekend reminded me that whether it is a small gesture or a shared celebration, it is about making the most of the time we have with the people who matter most.
So here is my reminder for the week: never underestimate the power of a small gesture or the joy of saying yes to making memories. Both will last a lifetime.
And if you are in a season of transition right now and could use a little company on that road, I would love for you to read this next: Rethinking the Empty Nest
What is one small gesture that has meant the most to you lately? I would love to hear it in the comments.
