We’re on the path to the much …
heralded?
touted?
anticipated?
unanticipated?
feared?
… empty nest.
And I’m not sure how I feel about all that.
In all fairness, I may be getting ahead of myself on the whole empty nest thing. I mean, high school graduation for one child is still a year away. And college graduation for the other is still a year away.
But then again, this junior year of high school and college has flown by.
And, in all fairness, I may be getting ahead of myself on the whole empty nest thing. I mean, I’m no fool. I realize my college graduate(s) will most likely return home. And live at home for a few years as they get on their feet.
But regardless, all this change … as we venture out to look at colleges for my youngest … has me thinking about what’s next?
And my answer is, I have no idea.
Do we sell the house? Do we sell the house and make a lateral move within Chicago? Or do we head to a warmer state … and leave the children behind?
Honestly, I want to stay near the kids. And be a part of their lives as they grow (and perhaps start families on their own) …
And on the flip side, I don’t want them to feel tethered to Chicago just because we’re here. I want them to feel free to spread their wings and explore what works best for them.
Sigh.
We still have plenty-ish of time to make decisions.
If only I could see a clear path ahead …
Sigh.
Oh, and speaking of spreading wings I think we’ve lost my daughter to Colorado. Well, at least for four years of undergraduate studies. 🙂
Sharing: | Between Naps on the Porch |
homeonthecornerblog says
Empty nesting is tough. I have one out of the house, living about 45 minutes away, so we see her regularly. But the other one is in college in the Los Angeles area, about 4 hours away. If she gets the type of job she is looking for, she will be there to stay for a long time. :(. It’s such a tough place to be, but like you said, they have to spread their wings and fly. We just stay and support them all the way!
Kris@Junkchiccottage says
Been where you are heading Linda and it is hard but I can tell you it is great to see our kids start to carve out lives for themselves. The only thing that keeps me in Chicago area is my two daughters and now granddaughters. Family is so important to me and I stay here to have my family all together. I hope to some day venture to warmer climate but for now this is home for me too. While your heart is heavy seeing your kiddo’s grown and become adults trust me it will be so rewarding to see them accomplish things in their own lives. That is when you can sit back and know the love, support and nurturing all worked. It will come back to bless you.
xoxo
Kris
Margot says
When your kids go out on their own and are able to make solid choices you know you did your parenting job well. That was the goal, right?! We are in the Chicago area, our young adults have found great jobs here. Our youngest (25 yo) just moved back home temporarily as his roommate situation suddenly changed. Our daughter (28) just bid on her first home. It looks like we will be staying for a while! That’s okay with me – I love the change of seasons our neighborhood and home! We can easily get to anywhere in the country with our great airports and have discussed merely “snowbirding” it until that no longer works for us.