best transition ever: grandparenting
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with Natalie caine


OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE, AGAIN

August 10, 2006 | by Natalie Caine | 6 Comments

Honestly, I was surprised to meet my shy, awkward self at 56. There are days when I am out of my routine. I question, who am I? My friends have known me a long time so they understand when the inner doubter emerges, as does my husband.

6 Responses

  1. suzi says:

    I didn’t realize for me that I too have been feeling awkward with out the routine I had . My three kids are own their own. I am proud of them I get shy to go and meet people after work. I need to. It is ture they don;t walk side by side like the little ones I miss that too. Your writing is good and helped me so much. Suzi

  2. Allison Phillips says:

    I am trying to go to an out door concert in our area by myself tonight. I will let you know if my fear was worse than the reality of being there. Allison

  3. joan Gelfand says:

    Hi Natalie: The awkwardness and the yearning for the small children have both been starting for me as well. I think the awkwardness is because we feel so vulnerable, and it is almost like a taboo topic. If you say, I’m in mourning, my mom just died, people respond to that. I think empty nest has been minimized, even in the cute name. Let’s connect –

  4. Donna says:

    I have no idea how to cope with my ownly child/daughter leaving for college. I was a stay at home Mom for 18 years. I have much talent and am an artist. I haven’t worked for about 10 years. What do I do to get over the heartache I feel?

  5. Cindy Webb says:

    I took my daughter to college last week. She is now 12 hours away and it seems like the other side of the world. I had no idea I would react as I have. I have been preparing her for the joy of college life since she was in kindergarten. But here I am crying all the time and feeling so lost. I hurt for her 14 year-old brother who idealized her. How I miss their laughter and chatter. I lost my mother a year ago and now I feel I’ve lost the other most significant female in my life. How long will this pain continue? Will a table set for three ever feel complete?
    It is like a death in that I sometimes think I hear her coming down the stairs, or coughing in the bathroom. Then I remember, she isn’t here–and won’t be here. But I have to remind myself that it isn’t a death. She calls and she is enjoying her college life as much as I told her she would. Thanks for listening. I am so grateful I found this site and no longer feel as alone.
    Cindy

  6. Lesa says:

    Hi- I am so lost any more with my daughter married and about 2 hours away from home. I am having trouble with letting go.

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Natalie Caine, M.A. natalie@lifeintransition.org