My daughter is 4. She’ll be 5 in July.

I’ve heard my fair share of crying over lots of things.

But tonight I heard her voice break… as in, she was trying to say something without crying (fuck I’m choking up just writing this now), but was trying to be strong? And she was talking about something positive (being the leader, her favorite weekly role), and her voice just quivered, and she had the shaky lip and smile… and it just fucking demolished me.

Some background… we are moving. Across the state, back to where we used to live. Friday will be her last day at her current preschool/daycare. Reasons too much to explain. We’ve talked about it a lot and she’s overall happy (closer to family, all her old friends, etc).

Tonight… She said, super casually after I read her their bedtime stories (brother fell asleep as always).

D: Do you know why I was leader at school today?

M: Why?

D: Because it’s my last week (voice break) at my school.

It fucking shattered me.

She was trying to smile but her eyes immediately were teary.

She started to cry, just quiet tears, and told me how she’ll miss her friends. I hugged her and when she asked why I was crying (I choked up when she started to) I sat with her and told her I would miss it all too, and we talked about how special our friends have been, and how special this home has been for us—and how it’s okay to be sad, but that we can always remember and love what we’re losing.

She laid down and said goodnight and seemed okay after our little talk…

But god damn, if that didn’t destroy me…

I guess I’m just asking if anyone else has gone through a big, far move around this age? How did you handle it? How can I make it easier for her, while ensuring her feelings are heard and validated?

My heart is so heavy right now. I just needed to get it out there. I have no one else to talk to.