‘It’s Just A Meeting, My Son Said When I Didn’t Receive An Invitation To His Big Engagement Party. So I Transferred Back The $25k From The Honeymoon Fund And Updated The Flights I Had Arranged For Them.

Instead, I opened the leather portfolio the hotel had provided and began to write. The pen gliding across heavy paper as I articulated thoughts I’d never allowed myself to fully form. I have spent 32 years defining myself primarily as James’s mother.

Before that, I was Frank’s wife. When have I ever been simply Diana? What would it mean to prioritize my own dreams with the same dedication I’ve given to supporting others?

The questions felt almost sacrilegious. Contradicting the identity I’d built as the endlessly supportive mother. The widow who had channeled her grief into creating a beautiful life for her son.

Yet they also felt necessary. Vital. To whatever came next.

By the time I finished breakfast, I had filled several pages with reflections and possibilities. Some were practical. Take the cooking class in Tuscany I’d always postponed.

Others more profound. Redefine my relationship with James as adult to adult rather than provider to dependent. All represented a fundamental shift in perspective.

My life belonged to me. Not just to those I cared for. Finally, I picked up my phone and dialed Lisa’s number.

“Diana, thank God. Are you all right?”

Her relief was palpable. “I’m fine, Lisa.

Better than fine, actually.”

“I’m taking some personal time, but I wanted to check in about the office.”

“The office is fine,” she assured me. “But Diana… James was here last night looking for documentation about honeymoon reservations. He seemed really upset.”

Continue reading…