My grief is not over the fact that they are in college, but that our family life is forever changed. AdvertisementAs the leader of a national organization focused on building a more inclusive democracy, I have traveled extensively for work. Without my child at home, I don't know what I'll have as a bulwark against work. But the sense of urgency that often informs professional life is largely unnecessary unless you're a healthcare professional or emergency aid worker. However purposeful and satisfying my professional life can be, I want to hold on to that part of my life that's not about producing, reacting, and managing people and problems.

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Persons: —, wasn't, we'll, saddens, There's, I've, I'm Organizations: Service