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I've been going through the exact same thing lately as #4 child is just finishing up college and comes and goes. For the first time in 28 years it is often only my DH and I at the supper table. It is just another chapter in my life. My kids aren't that far away and I have lots to do to keep me busy. DD#1 thought I'd be lonely so she got me a dog! Molly is a great little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and perfect walking buddy.
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ENJOY LIFE! BUT DON'T WALK AROUND IN YOUR TEDDY.
WATCH OUT - HE MAY DRIVE HOME AND SURPRISE YOU! |
This ist dinner is hard, but you find things to do. Quilt more, join an exercise class, walk, and I'll bet being that close he will be home for the weekend.
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I don't have any words of wisdom, because when my last one left I was miserable-really miserable. One year after he left (and I still missed him) he came back to attend post graduate school. So I have a temporary stay. I'm happy.
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Married 40 years and still have one in school. I don't think I will ever experience the empty nest. My oldest is 24 yrs older than the youngest, now 15. I have 3 grand children. House is always full. We will soon be building a new home on 40 acres. My son now lives there in a mobil home. We will plan the home to accomadate all the kids and grandkids. I have always told the kids and close family that they are welcome to stay if in need. I have made it clear, I will provide the roof over their heads and food from the cupboard. If they need money, they will need to earn it. My oldest daughter moved home after 10 years of marriage and started over. She now has her own home and is engaged. - I do have moments when it seems empty. I have joined a quilt guild and have been able to do things for and about me finally. So think of things you have been putting off. But always be prepared for a surprise return.
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For me, it was a struggle for a couple of years in the "empty nester" phase of my life. We raised our children to be independant and darn it! They have been! So, we didn't have them coming back to the nest as so many have said happens...so I did have a time when it was tough. I felt like I'd lost my most important job and was now unemployed...the saving grace is they are always your children and you will see them and talk and share and as they live their adult lives and then if and when grandchildren come along, it just adds to your joy. Here's my advice: be patient with yourself...it's new to you and every new phase must be adjusted to...take up a new hobby or interest, preferably with your hubby...and force yourself to get out and about with friends and such...and the biggest one is...TIME...it takes time...it will get better, I know you're sad right now, but it will get better! Hugs to you!
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It may stay empty for a few hours.
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Be grateful they CAN leave!
Enjoy it while you can! |
Originally Posted by emerald46
We've been empty nesters off and on since 1994 when youngest left for college. As long as we are alive our home is their home and they are welcomed back at any time. Daughter moved back for 3 months before her wedding because her lease was up and son moved back for a year after grad school. Sorry, I cannot imagine charging my children rent.
lol TanyaL..we were Holiday Inn South for all sorts of kiddo friends coming and going during the college years. Loved it. DH and I enjoy being "on our own" again. You just have to enjoy life whatever stage you are at in the scheme of things. |
You can always do what my parents did after the last one of us graduated high school and went off into the world... they sold the house and bought a 1 bedroom place. My dad said, "that way none of them will try to move back with us"
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