A Warm Stop on Their Family Journey

The last guests of the year joined my class as a family from Australia.

As we cooked together, I learned that this trip was especially meaningful for them.

It was likely their last family journey before their children fully step into working life.

Once children graduate from university, it becomes harder to share long holidays together.

Life moves forward—jobs, responsibilities, different schedules.

Knowing this, they chose to truly savor this time, cooking side by side, talking, laughing, and being present together.

Watching them, I felt both warmth and a quiet tenderness.

Seeing children grow into adults is a beautiful thing—but there is also a gentle sadness that comes with it.

I understand that feeling very well.

My youngest daughter will leave home next spring to start her own path, and our family rhythm will change.

It’s something to celebrate, yet it tugs softly at the heart.

Sharing this moment with them—through food, conversation, and time—felt deeply meaningful.

I’m grateful that our kitchen could be part of a memory they will carry with them.

It was a gentle and heartfelt way to close the year.