In 51 years of marriage we have maybe had an empty nest about 3 years. Beside "boomarang" kids, for short periods of time, we have been raising 2 grandkids. The last is 18 and has special needs so don't know that we will ever have an empty nest. We also have my 91 year old mother. God has blest us with the energy and means to do this so we have no complaints.