Today is a big change for me. I’m starting a new full time job that I’m thrilled about. While I’m still going to be telling amazing love stories here, I also seriously can’t wait to start this other new chapter. But starting this job has also meant moving down before my husband and child—and that has been incredibly hard.
There is so much Mom guilt that comes with leaving your child. It some how feels selfish. It will be the longest I’ve been away from her. And while I have left her many times, and take pride in both of our independent abilities, this one leaves me physically aching knowing that it will be a long one. Knowing that when I see her next she will be different. She’s just growing and learning that fast.
I also want her to know that this is for her—for us as a family. That starting something new is hard a lot of times. It’s not always an easy transition. I want her to know that she can be whatever version of herself that she chooses. I hope that she will be many. She can stay at home, she can pursue her passion, she can take risks, she can fail, she can be a working Mom, she can start again. She can be anything she damn well chooses and be damn good at it. But it may not be easy. In fact, it probably won’t be. So damn the Mom Guilt. Take pride in who you are and what you do at every turn baby girl.
Above all I want her to know that she is loved. That there is no distance, no change, absolutely nothing that could stop me from loving her and my husband. That we are always in this life together.
So if you see them, give my girl a hug and buy my husband a drink. We’re all going to be together and home soon.
Beth Bowman is an intimate wedding, destination, and elopement photographer with a heart for adventure based in Lexington, Virginia. She thrives on awkward, intimate, and authentic moments. Her mission is to document moments of love and light that they may encourage and inspire others during hard times--that love is the only true adventure. Her style is romantic, creative, and genuine. She believes in getting out in the rain, head back laughs, taking risks, and brave love stories.