The Long Drive, the Short Flight, and the Little Goodbyes

From airport runs to daycare drop-offs — the rhythm of change.

This past week marked a big transition for us — Jasper’s last week splitting his time between home and school. My in-laws wrapped up a wonderful stay with us and began their long journey back to India.

To get them there, I volunteered for airport duty. Not the local kind of airport run, though — this one was six hours from Cleveland to Chicago. A road trip that’s… well, a bit flat. Having just done the same drive a few months ago to pick up my father-in-law, I can say it doesn’t exactly top my list of “must-repeat adventures.” Especially when you realize the flight between the two cities is less than 45 minutes. Honestly, you spend more time taxiing at O’Hare than actually in the air.

But the part that really got me? Missing Jasper. Knowing my partner was home solo made that long stretch of highway feel even longer. I think next time, I’ll skip the marathon drive and take the flight with them — home by evening, and still there for bedtime stories.

This week also kicked off Jasper’s first full week in daycare… but that’s a story for next time.

Reflection:

Sometimes the hardest part of growing — whether it’s for us or for our little ones — is realizing that routines shift, time moves faster, and goodbyes get a little more real. But the best part? Every return home feels that much sweeter. ❤️

CTA:

If you’ve had one of those “long drive” moments lately — literal or otherwise — drop a comment. We’re all figuring out the road ahead together. 🚗💭