Our youngest has gone off to college.
It's definitely a time of mixed emotions.
We make great efforts to raise our children to be independent, with the skills necessary for that outside world.
And then when they leave we are often left wondering how the time went by so fast.
I keep listening for Sounds:
The refrigerator door opening
The front door opening
Teenage laughter
Teenage friends
Drum practice
Band practice at our house (at least I knew where they were)
Pool parties
Late night hours
The constant hum of the dishwasher, washer and dryer
Hi Mom, I'm home
Bye, Mom
Love you, Mom
Now, it's just QUIET
Mr. Cactus had the perfect solution for Empty Nest.
A week's vacation to San Diego for just the two of us.
We pondered the last time we went away together, without children, family or friends.
All the hustle and bustle to get from here to there.
And honestly, we could not recall a date.
I'm feeling very spoiled. Mr. Cactus brought his golf clubs, and I've got my sewing machine.
Free time to see the sites, rest and relax.
And we have our cell phones to call our children when the pangs set in.
23 comments:
Have fun, enjoy each other. I'm trying to prepare myself now. I will be in the same place you are next September.
How blessed you are to have Mr. Cactus. Such a thoughtful man.
Hi Nedra, I know how you feel. It happened to us a couple years ago. We are now listening to skype to see if they are online or check facebook to see what they are up to? I'm getting use to it now, but still missing them - Hugs Nat
I so look forward to empty nest. Don't get me wrong--I love my children dearly, but I'm ready to move one and have grandbabies--you can love them and send them home.
Mary
Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy! It'll be the best vacation ever...no one to cater to but each other and quiet, oh the quiet. I can hear it now. lol. Have a blast together!!!
Sounds like the perfect idea....have fun in beautiful San Diego!
Nedra, enjoy your time together. Our youngest has just started college too, but fortunately he is commuting at this time. Don't know what will happen in four years. But it is strange not to hear as much activity in the house. I know I will really miss the daily interaction.
San Diego is beautiful! We visited my youngest son in July and had a fantastic time. Right after he left my oldest son, wife, and grandson moved in for a year. Thirty-five years and we have yet to experience empty nest!
Nedra,
We have one son that moved out in the spring time to live with his girlfriend. He lives close by and we do miss those same things that you wrote about but it has been very pleasant in many other ways. My spouse and I have had more time together and are rediscovering the things that we have always loved about one another.
Our son's best friend C. growing up, lives next door to us. He shows up regularly to play in our son's space in the basement without our son. Its still like having another kid at home so the sounds of doors opening and big footsteps on the basement stairs have not completely disappeared. LOL
Enjoy your holiday in San Diego- sounds like a wonderful place to visit.
Warmest regards,
Anna
I'm a 5-kid-empty-nester as well... I'm on year two. Still miss the noise but am just now beginning to enjoy the quiet - a little bit. I sometimes can even hear myself think : )
When our final child left home, it felt so strange for quite a while. But soon got used to it and being able to start and project and finish it without......Muuuum!
I LOVE my empty nest! It was definitely weird in the beginning, but now it's just the best! You'll adjust quickly, and you'll cherish the times when the kids come home. May your sewing machine continue to purr....
San Diego and a sewing machine sounds like the perfect distraction for now. I can't imagine what that day will be like. There are times right now that I think it sounds so dreamy but I'm sure when it actually comes I'll be quite sad. :)
San Diego? When? I hope you'll let me know and we can connect. If you are in town this coming Monday, I'd love to have you join in a sew-cial on the water.
Quite a few fun quilting (and non-quilting things for your DH) going on).
SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
Ah, yes, it is wonderful, isn't it. And, when you really miss them, you can call, they can call, you can visit, they can visit.... Then, you can have quiet again until the next time.
Enjoy!!!
Hugs,
Lois
What a wonderful time for the two of you! ENJOY!
You will get use to it after a little more time has gone by. Then you will love it. And they never really leave home. My son still comes by to eat and just hang out with us for a while. Not every day but enough.
It does pass but what a great way to deal with it, a holiday with Mr Wonderful.
Enjoy your trip. The empty nest is a time to finally be selfish and do things you like with your time. It is also like being a newly wed again. Just loverly!!
Good Morning Nedra...
ahhh the empty nest, we experienced this not long ago. I can share with you that this next chapter of your life will be so eventful. There are still times when your fridge will be filled with more food than you will ever consume...but you will embrace the serenity, the oneness of your partner and you will find new meaning that lifts you to heights you can only imagine. So enjoy your new space, new chapter and most of your NEW man...he has been waiting for this...
blessings msamm
Enjoy your time together. These will be the best years of your life.
What a nice husband you have to suggest this!
Micki
Wonderful idea! We became empty nesters last year. Well, except we still have our Rusty who thinks he is human. We absolutely love having time together. It is the first time in our relationship. We courted with DH's son. I enlarged the photo of your sewing studio in the hotel room. I'm planning on traveling with my machine in the next couple of weeks.
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