"within the grand scheme of heartbreaking matters, this one comes with a variety

of gratitude and pleasure," joanna writes within

 the fall problem of magnolia magazine

joanna gaines is having her first infant depart the nest.

In a personal essay for the autumn problem of magnolia magazine

out friday, the forty four-yr-vintage fixer top big name 

contemplated on almost 20 years of marriage with husband chip gaines

beforehand of their son drake, 17, leaving for university.

"quickly, our oldest son, drake, may be leaving home for university," joanna writes.

"inside the grand scheme of heartbreaking matters, this one comes with a variety of gratitude and exhilaration."