The Empty Nest Saga
Here I am, where many of you have been; The Empty Nest.
While this is a personal account of “The Leaving”, my hope is you’ll get some comfort & insight from this.
For years, it was a dream; the day when your tots, toddlers & teens were out of the nest, forging a new life on their own.
But then reality set in; if they are old enough to do that, then I’m THAT old! What’s more, is as much as I looked forward to no more diapers, homework help & taxi service to & from extra-curriculars, no one could prepare me for this happy loss. They are old enough that they don’t need Mama or Dad everyday.
Getting used to a party of two has been a challenge.
Learning how to cutdown cooking from 5 to 2; consciously making the effort to not over shop for the weekly groceries. Also having to split the chores among two people instead of sharing the load with 5 family members. Adjusting to a smaller family games night. I miss the chaos, spirit and volume of those nights.
I miss family days where we chose to just be together without anyone from the outside world. I feel blessed & I cherish the memories of those days.
It has been an adjustment and we’re still in the throes of it. I’m also proud that my partner & I realize this is a journey that can’t be treated like a light switch. I am so proud for them to call me Mom. I continue to pray for them through the day, everyday. What happens in my 3 kids day to day lives is now beyond my control and it’s a hard pill to swallow.
So yes, I countdown the days to Christmas, Thanksgiving and Summer vacation, when we are all together again.
If you have some “Empty Nest” advice, please share it with me: [email protected] or [email protected]. I might just share your thoughts on the next blog.
Eve