A mom called today saying she would rather have the two new experimental swine flu shots then be packing up her son for college. She always faints when a needle comes into her vision and gets rashes after the shots.
She went on to say, humor has gotten her through challenging times but not this goodbye.
Taking the pain of goodbye away won’t happen. Stocking up on the best Kleenex is a must.
I really feel for the parents going through this transition right now. You simply are going to have to give up stuffing back those tears.
Remember:
– You need support. So make a plan before you come back to a silent, empty house. You just need one friend to pamper you.
– Get into nature for a day get away and let it all go.
– Write for healing. Start a journal and write your ideas, feelings, thoughts. It is a practice that heals.
– Connect with others who have been through the transition or are in it like you. Check website forums where you safely can express and get support.
There just isn’t a way to get past this shift of your role with your children. There is a way to feel whatever you are feeling whenever you feel it. Why wouldn’t you be crying? You are hugging a love you have known for decades.
Give yourself time to not decide what is next for you. Simply hang out with thoughts and feelings and let other people know you need them to just give ya a call, an email.
There is a wonderful freedom and joy in the empty nest. Each of us finds that in a unique way. No right time line.
Enjoy the celebration of your child’s dreams and acknowledge WHAT A GREAT JOY YOU HAVE DONE.
Take good care,
Natalie
Natalie Caine, M.A. natalie@lifeintransition.org
Just moved my daughter, Andrea # 3 off to College. I have 3 daughters and 1 son. I also have major depression and have for several years which is controlled with meds, regular excercise and eating rite. I am trying to reach out and connect early because I feel like my heart is being torn out. With the other girls there was still someone left at home. I did feel sadness but not like this. I have a 5 bedroom home and boy is it EMPTY. My son is home but he is changing too. He just got his first job and is going to college and HS part time. I need to find something to do and quick. Thanks for being out there.