Every now and again, life shows us why. Why we work so hard. Why we sacrifice so much. What is really important in life. You see, this weekend my wife and I became empty nesters.
I thought that it would be easy. A shake of a hand and a hug and a “See you this weekend.” Oooooooh…. That part went great. We moved son #3 into his dorm in the early afternoon. Excitement was in the air as we pulled into his complex.
Say what? You call these dorms?
All I’ve got to say is that it’s awfully quiet around the house now. And the food that we bought on Saturday is still in the pantry. And the TV is off more than on. Mom and Dad got to play at the casino Monday and Tuesday night. The house was dark when we got home. Meg and Anne – now I understand.
Man I still have trouble letting my 5 year old go into the walled in backyard alone, I can only imagine how those feelings will evolve.
ReplyDeleteFar too often I wish my kids were grown up, but I can't imagine letting them leave for good.
ReplyDeleteThough I still have the twins at home (freshman in hs), it is soooo hard to have the oldest away (though she's only 20 minutes away). I think about the rat race we have every night with marching band, cross country, model UN, parent meetings, etc etc etc and how nutty things are...but then I think in only 4 years, I'll be alone and that's just gonna stink. I think that'll be the year I run a 100-mile race. ha!! Hang in there, Glenn!
ReplyDeleteYeah my Alma mater now offers LAKESIDE apartments... With docks and water sports... For college kids! They live nicer than I do haha.
ReplyDeleteMom and Dad better ease up at the casino so those college bills can be paid ;) my verification word is "mankings" so maybe that'll bring you luck.
If you miss excitement and a family in a constant state of constant - you can always visit us.
ReplyDeleteMy oldest won't leave for another 8 years and I am ALREADY dreading the day when he leaves.
ReplyDeleteI have a toddler, so I can't relate. I remember when I left home, though, and it was bittersweet for me, too.
ReplyDeleteI think my parents had opposite feelings. They unloaded my stuff and took off. Hah.
ReplyDeleteWow, it just seems like yesterday driving them to their dorms and carrying all that stuff up the stairs and the many trips to Target....
ReplyDeleteI would have never guessed those were dorms! Guess maybe they don't have that musty old dorm smell that mine always did after being locked up all summer. Very nice!
ReplyDelete~RR
Dorms have changed a lot since the 80s!
ReplyDeleteWhat a mixture of emotions you must've felt! If you need commotion and unorganization, you're welcome to visit my house anytime!
Aw! Cute post Glenn. I can move in and eat your food if you'd like.
ReplyDeleteAww so sad! All the kids are growing up!
ReplyDeleteWow bittersweet for sure. I'm at an age where I'll probably have a hip replacement and use a walker by the time my kids go off to college but I still get misty thinking of that day. Time flies.
ReplyDeleteYou want my kids?
ReplyDeleteThe night that DramaGirl was born, I woke up for her 2am feeding and while contemplating the effect that this tiny little thing was going to have on my life, I started sobbing because I knew that she would grow up and leave me one day... and I didn't know how I would ever bear it. (OK...maybe the hysteria was induced by the hormones or the sleep deprivation?)
ReplyDeleteEven now, I started tearing up reading this. She just started high school and I know the next four years will fly by. She's a pain in the you-know-what right now, but I know I'll miss her anyway when she goes.
Wow -- the proverbial empty nest. It has to be so hard. At the same time, if they're going off you know you and Mrs. Jones did something right.
ReplyDeleteWow, well I can say that I will not be in your shoes for a very long time. I can only imagine the silence. Take care man. Those are quite the dorms.
ReplyDeleteSo sad Glenn - so sad. But it gets worse when they move back all of a sudden - then that swinger lifestyle needs to change.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is turn up the heat if it's summer, or the A/C in winter, only put the worst food in the fridge (or not at all) and eat out a lot.
They'll get the hint and move back out!
I'm still waiting for the empty nest. In theory, I should be there now, but neither of my adult children are moving out soon since they're both attending local colleges. I know it will be tough when they both leave, and it will probably be at the same time.
ReplyDeleteThose dorms look a lot nicer than the first apartment I lived in!
Yep, I'm here for you Glenn. It takes at least three months to even settle in...eventually you will end up enjoying the time. I tell everyone I know that it's important to make sure your relationship with your "other" is strong and happy because during these new times, it's just the two of you! BS and I do more together more than ever before, especially running! Hugs, Glenn. You will both be okay...eventually :) !
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