As GMA’s seniors begin to submit their college applications and soar to new heights, it can be difficult for the mothers of these matured monarchs to watch as their daughters leave the nest. As a school rooted in the companionship and bonds of women, GMA hosted a mother-daughter retreat on October 14th to allow them to take a moment away from the frenzy of the path toward the future to ground themselves in the present moment and share personal moments. Mrs. Hartz, the coordinator of this event, began the retreat in the chapel with a beautiful reading from her book of prayers and a meditation for the women to ground themselves and for them to be mindful of the experience and what they choose to discover and go forward with from the retreat. Then, mothers and daughters split into groups of their peers to discuss the experiences of the transition state from teenage years to adulthood and to receive advice and consolation in a safe, private space. After the discussion, they were each handed a sheet of paper to write some topics for discussion before mothers and daughters were reunited. Daughters led their mothers to a private space to share a moment of vulnerability as they spoke about the future, hopes for their relationship, and things they never had the time to share with one another. Finally, Mrs. Hartz wrapped up the retreat with one last prayer and the song “Blessings” by Hollow Coves—an artist that her own daughter shared with her—before giving each mother and daughter a copy of Holy Moments by Matthew Kelly.
This mother-daughter retreat did not fail to be special, as every mother and daughter needs these reflective moments more than ever in a time of looking toward the impending future. It allowed for a place and time to open hearts and share the deepest of worries and joys—a necessity to be shared as mothers prepare for their daughters to flourish. Mrs. Hartz did a wonderful job of strengthening the bond between mother and daughter and giving them a space to understand one another and move forward in a thriving relationship, even when miles apart.
