Nobody paints a picture like you. I’m forever in awe. The ability to translate and simultaneously implant the exact feelings is a gift. I treasure these moments.
I'm so very sorry for the devastation of your beloved city. May herons continue to offer support - and may all of us join their witness of grief amid so much loss.
Whenever I hear or read about St Louis or Missouri, I remember it is your home and I thank you for the hard work and helpful writing and strong resolve you are able to share. Bless your family all the way from here in Hamilton Canada.
The September of my first born's graduation year an ache started to grow in my heart. What had been endless time together turned into the beginning of the end and I was caught unaware by the obvious inevitability of that reality. I, who had encouraged the leaving of home for university.. was finding it hard to breath as the prospect I had promoted started to come into view. I wonder how many other mothers read this article and didn't really focus on the toronado. My child comes home often and everytime they leave I feel the damn ache in the pit of my being. Sending you mothering solidarity.
You're making me cry -- but in a good way, in recognition. I was also shocked by how hard I'm taking my daughter leaving. My kids are the center of my world and I'm left wondering what to do with myself, even though I have multiple jobs, because I don't feel like myself without them around. And that may not sound very modern or cool but I think other parents understand. I nearly wrote an article in fall 2024 called "The Last Time", when I realized we'd never do things we've been doing together as a family for over a decade once she goes, but I didn't publish it because it made me too sad.
They leave, but they do come back, Sarah. We own a three unit home and currently two of my kids and their partners and dogs are in two of the units. The oldest and her family are in Switzerland, but will be home in summer. it's seldom they're all here at the same time and chaotic, too, but I wouldn't trade. And we do the things we used to do together.
I'm relieved to know you are all okay after the tornado; you were very much in my thoughts.
Becoming an empty nester was a bigger transition than I had anticipated. I was not lacking for things to do but did miss the things we had done together. One very positive thing I had not anticipated is how deeply rewarding it would feel to see them grow. I love hearing about their classes, interests, friends, accomplishments...
Thank you, Sarah. I travelled with you , within you ,reading tornado daze. Your sense of beauty as well as crushing loss touched me deeply. I truly appreciate your storytelling.
Thank you for the detailed update, and again I am sorry for the devastation! Launching children and caring for/about sick parents is part of that life chart with heart wrenching timing.
We have neglected, abused, and continue to destroy our planet. The warnings came long ago, in
my childhood, now close to seventy years old I cry too!
Wishing you and yours joy because there is still so much of it to receive and give! My hubby always says, “Don’t let anyone steal your joy!” I know it sounds easy but we must keep pushing for what is right and good❤️
We moved here in 2011 (Tower Grove) and immediately fell in love with the city. It was like walking through history because we had come from the West Coast where nothing is old. We were enveloped by the bricks, the music, the food and the simple kindness of humans being kind…. something I was not used to living in other zip codes. St. Louis is special and enduring and it’s hard to build with a broken heart. Thank you for writing this.
I tried to find your library book event so I hope it’s coming up and I didn’t miss it.
“Destroying things is much easier than making them.”
I took your place, maybe, on the West Coast, coming back after a sojourn in Texas, where many things are old but, where I lived at least, disregarded in the name of Money and Progress. I love your sense of place, Sarah. It reminds me to know my place, to burn it into my heart for when it too is irrevocably changed.
“Childhood takes a long time to go by fast”. Yes, and the feelings/emotions seem to come out of nowhere. Like a part of you is being ripped out……………. Lonnie Johnson, a huge influence in what we call, the blues, for so many. None more so than Robert Johnson, who, like childhoods flame, left too soon……………. We don’t seek “The Blues”, the Blues call us, when we have something to contribute. An honor of a life fully lived, at whatever age………………. I’m not leaving either. 💕💕
I live a few hours from St. Louis and always enjoy your writing on the city, and the Midwest, because you see them with so much clarity, the beauty and the decline. I almost wonder sometimes if the Midwest isn't as lovely and divine as I feel it is in my bones, until I read something like what you write.
I console myself with the knowledge that the nation's ignorance on the beauty of the Midwest keeps the property prices down. A very Midwestern perspective, I think.
I am glad you and your family are safe. Thank you for sharing your gift.
Sarah, you bring again the devastation there to us in real life form! Glad the heron was there for you! We all need our own heron to comfort us in these difficult moments! Thanks so much for being you!
Thank you for being a heron through the storm.
Nobody paints a picture like you. I’m forever in awe. The ability to translate and simultaneously implant the exact feelings is a gift. I treasure these moments.
Thank you! I'm feeling off my game between the tour followed by the tornado and appreciate this very much
If this is you off your game your game is pretty serious.
I was thinking the same thing. It’s like Michael Jordan only scoring 37
Word.
I'm so very sorry for the devastation of your beloved city. May herons continue to offer support - and may all of us join their witness of grief amid so much loss.
Thank you!
Whenever I hear or read about St Louis or Missouri, I remember it is your home and I thank you for the hard work and helpful writing and strong resolve you are able to share. Bless your family all the way from here in Hamilton Canada.
Thank you, I appreciate that!
The September of my first born's graduation year an ache started to grow in my heart. What had been endless time together turned into the beginning of the end and I was caught unaware by the obvious inevitability of that reality. I, who had encouraged the leaving of home for university.. was finding it hard to breath as the prospect I had promoted started to come into view. I wonder how many other mothers read this article and didn't really focus on the toronado. My child comes home often and everytime they leave I feel the damn ache in the pit of my being. Sending you mothering solidarity.
You're making me cry -- but in a good way, in recognition. I was also shocked by how hard I'm taking my daughter leaving. My kids are the center of my world and I'm left wondering what to do with myself, even though I have multiple jobs, because I don't feel like myself without them around. And that may not sound very modern or cool but I think other parents understand. I nearly wrote an article in fall 2024 called "The Last Time", when I realized we'd never do things we've been doing together as a family for over a decade once she goes, but I didn't publish it because it made me too sad.
They leave, but they do come back, Sarah. We own a three unit home and currently two of my kids and their partners and dogs are in two of the units. The oldest and her family are in Switzerland, but will be home in summer. it's seldom they're all here at the same time and chaotic, too, but I wouldn't trade. And we do the things we used to do together.
I'm relieved to know you are all okay after the tornado; you were very much in my thoughts.
Thank you, I appreciate it
Becoming an empty nester was a bigger transition than I had anticipated. I was not lacking for things to do but did miss the things we had done together. One very positive thing I had not anticipated is how deeply rewarding it would feel to see them grow. I love hearing about their classes, interests, friends, accomplishments...
I totally relate to this. Senior year was the long goodbye. And I have that same ache every time they leave.
Thank you, Sarah. I travelled with you , within you ,reading tornado daze. Your sense of beauty as well as crushing loss touched me deeply. I truly appreciate your storytelling.
Thank you very much!
Thank you for the detailed update, and again I am sorry for the devastation! Launching children and caring for/about sick parents is part of that life chart with heart wrenching timing.
We have neglected, abused, and continue to destroy our planet. The warnings came long ago, in
my childhood, now close to seventy years old I cry too!
Wishing you and yours joy because there is still so much of it to receive and give! My hubby always says, “Don’t let anyone steal your joy!” I know it sounds easy but we must keep pushing for what is right and good❤️
Thank you and that is good advice!
One of your best. Be well …
Thank you!
We moved here in 2011 (Tower Grove) and immediately fell in love with the city. It was like walking through history because we had come from the West Coast where nothing is old. We were enveloped by the bricks, the music, the food and the simple kindness of humans being kind…. something I was not used to living in other zip codes. St. Louis is special and enduring and it’s hard to build with a broken heart. Thank you for writing this.
I tried to find your library book event so I hope it’s coming up and I didn’t miss it.
“Destroying things is much easier than making them.”
I took your place, maybe, on the West Coast, coming back after a sojourn in Texas, where many things are old but, where I lived at least, disregarded in the name of Money and Progress. I love your sense of place, Sarah. It reminds me to know my place, to burn it into my heart for when it too is irrevocably changed.
“Childhood takes a long time to go by fast”. Yes, and the feelings/emotions seem to come out of nowhere. Like a part of you is being ripped out……………. Lonnie Johnson, a huge influence in what we call, the blues, for so many. None more so than Robert Johnson, who, like childhoods flame, left too soon……………. We don’t seek “The Blues”, the Blues call us, when we have something to contribute. An honor of a life fully lived, at whatever age………………. I’m not leaving either. 💕💕
Yes -- thank you for understanding!
Excellent. Your writing allows me to feel and share the sorrow you are experiencing with the devastation in St Louis.
Thank you for sharing the beauty and tragedy and pain of St Louis so eloquently.
Thank you for reading
This brought tears to my eyes. I too love this city and often wonder how it got left so far behind.
Wish I could hug you — for what you are going through and for the beauty and truth you share.
Thanks, I appreciate that
I live a few hours from St. Louis and always enjoy your writing on the city, and the Midwest, because you see them with so much clarity, the beauty and the decline. I almost wonder sometimes if the Midwest isn't as lovely and divine as I feel it is in my bones, until I read something like what you write.
I console myself with the knowledge that the nation's ignorance on the beauty of the Midwest keeps the property prices down. A very Midwestern perspective, I think.
I am glad you and your family are safe. Thank you for sharing your gift.
Thank you and yes that is a very Midwestern perspective! Low prices and hidden treasures are why I'm here too.
Sarah, you bring again the devastation there to us in real life form! Glad the heron was there for you! We all need our own heron to comfort us in these difficult moments! Thanks so much for being you!
Thank you
You’re welcome!