Joanna Gaines clings to her son Drake as they say goodbye, telling others, ‘It doesn’t get any easier.’
It’s Drake’s second year of college,, and it’s the same for many parents. Some are even sending their child to kindergarten for the first time. For me, I’m sending my middle child off to college for the first time. Even though I knew what to expect after sending my firstborn off to college, I know how Joanna feels–man, it is so hard to let go!
RELATED: Chip and Joanna Gaines Defend Their Rule About No Social Media for Their Kids Until Age 18
The beloved designer and mother of five recently shared an emotional moment that resonated with parents everywhere. As her oldest son, Drake, headed back to college, Joanna opened up about the heart-wrenching reality of watching him grow up and the bittersweet experience of saying goodbye.
In a heartfelt post, Joanna expressed what so many parents feel but often struggle to put into words. The transition from seeing your child every day to only catching glimpses of their life from afar is anything but easy. No matter how many times you go through it, it doesn’t seem to get any easier.
Joanna wrote, "Second year in college… saying goodbye doesn’t get easier. Lots of love to all the parents sending their kids off to school this season,” and I don’t know about you, but I felt that deep in my heart.
RELATED: Joanna Gaines Gets Brutally Honest About Motherhood
Like many parents, Joanna is experiencing mixed emotions during this stage of life. She is proud of seeing Drake pursue his dreams and excited about the adventures he’s embarking on, but she also feels a deep sense of loss of the way life used to be–all of her little ones at home. The daily routines that once included his laughter, presence, and the simple joys of being together are now moments she must cherish from a distance.
This isn’t the first time Joanna has opened up about her experiences as a mother. She has always been candid about the joys and challenges of raising her children. But this goodbye felt particularly poignant. As a mother, watching your child grow up is both a privilege and a heartache. It’s a journey filled with countless moments of letting go, each one a reminder of the passage of time and the ever-changing nature of life.
Joanna’s honesty about her feelings serves as a reminder that it’s okay to feel the weight of these transitions. It’s okay to cry, to miss them, and to wish they were still at home, even as you cheer them on from afar. Parenting is a delicate balance of holding on and letting go, and every goodbye is a testament to the love that makes those moments so hard.
RELATED: Joanna Gaines on Today Show Opens up About ‘Being Different’ and Dealing with Insecurity
As Drake settles into his college life, Joanna will undoubtedly continue to be his biggest supporter, offering encouragement and love from home. And while the goodbyes may never get easier, they are a beautiful reflection of the deep bond they share—a bond that distance and time will never diminish.
In moments like these, we’re reminded of the words from Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Joanna and Drake are entering a new season, one that will bring new challenges and joys, but through it all, the love of a mother remains a constant, unshakable force.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Joanna Gaines’ Daughter Reminds Her What Childlike Faith Looks Like
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Caleb & John | 'Somebody Like Me' (acoustic) from CCM Magazine on GodTube.
h/t: For Every Mom
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/joannagaines