by Amanda | December 30, 2006
Mom still sounds like Mom but it is empty without footsteps and big smiles running around the house.
I am learning how to parent from a distance and it isn’t easy. Sometimes I want to take back what flew out of my mouth on the phone. They don’t need me to say, put on a jacket, do you have money, is there gas in the tank, call if you are going to be late.
They need me to listen and offer short opinions and big confidences. I need to let them know my life is good and I am happy.
Am I a liar? No, I am accepting that the role I lived as their mother has drastically changed since they started their life away from home. One is a junior in college and the other is married.
I am divorced with a short story because of starting over. I’ve got my health, my career, my friends and the ongoing questions of what to do with my free time besides for travel, exercise, reading, book club and learning to cook for one.
I just ordered on this web, the What’s Next t-shirt, mug for a friend and new journal. 2007 is coming and I will be dreaming big just like it says on the mug.
Well, I just wanted to send in my short story of being on the road where now I know I am not alone in filling an empty nest. Thank goodness this web is active and I know how to use a computer.
Happy New Year, Empty Nesters
Natalie Caine, M.A. natalie@lifeintransition.org
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