Our kids had it drilled in their heads from an early age that once they finished high school they were expected to attend college or vocational school. Thanks to a generous (deceased) relative, there was money to help with this. Their alternative was to move out and be self-sufficient. All three worked part time during high school (hard, low-paying jobs) and therefore knew the value of getting a good education.
Our oldest and our youngest both departed right out of high school. Their circumstances were totally different, but both had a burning desire to get away. Each made arrangements to live on their own while attending school.
The middle child (our younger daughter) went a different route. She chose a school that was a five hour drive from home and opted for on-campus housing the entire time she was there. She was the only one of the three that still came "home" during school breaks.
That all came to an end this week. There was much sorting, packing (and unpacking), and sifting through a lifetime of accumulation. Although continuing her education with graduate school, this time she "officially" moved out.
As the proverbial "empty nest" neared I started to have some minor twinges of sadness. Then I stopped to think realistically. Our younger daughter's only about an hour's drive away. I'll probably see more of her now than I ever did when she was in college. Our son is less than an hour away and comes to visit frequently. Our older daughter is busy with her own family, but lives right here in town. The nest might be empty, but our time spent together and shared good times will continue!
Oh....and did I mention all the possibilities in that empty room left behind?!
- Kelly
- Making my way through the ups and downs of life, holding fast to my favorite Bible verse: "For we walk by faith, not by sight." ~2 Corinthians 5:7. I began blogging in earnest at Yahoo360 on October 24, 2005. (briefly using LiveJournal and blog-city prior to that) In June 2008 I moved to Blogger. I'm now at WordPress where I hope to remain.
8 comments:
The empty room should be perfect for me.
Seriously, I have really loved having grown kids near me, and also with me...I miss Andrea like crazy, but this round with Tom at home (he is still rehabbing from the accident) is going very well. I like kids when they are adults. I think having them that close to home will be satisfying for you. Plus you have those 4 legged kids!
:)
How blessed to have your kids close to home. Visits to our own require plane tickets (with layovers) or long, long drives.
As for the empty room...oh, yes! Lotsa opportunities there!
I remember my empty nest... been awhile. :)
Now that the daughter is working again I'm fine with a full nest, for the most part.
I've also got to admit that I enjoy having kids and dogs underfoot...except when I don't. LOL!!
I loved my empty next, but I'm happy with a full one again.
Enjoy creating something new with the vacated space.
Seems to me like you've made an excellent job of raisin' 'em. They're all independent but with a knowledge of and loyalty to their roots. Well done!!!
You can deservedly feel very proud.
Have a nice day, Boonsong
Boonsong - to be honest only the oldest is financially independent of us, but we're working on that.
: )
I think it's the passage that tugs at our hearts a bit, knowing that things are changing and we won't pass this way again. It is, overall, a good thing, and we would not have it any other way (who wants 30-plus-year-old offspring living with you permanently?) but it's still a bit sad, and it's totally OK to grieve a bit as we mark the occasion. On to decorating the new room!
I still have empty nest. I know. Yes, all their bedrooms are full of books now, but still... I can't explain it. Well, I can, but I won't. Great post, Kelly!! Blessings!
I'm sure you'll find PLENTY to fill that empty room with. And I need to start putting this idea into my son's head now.
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