The Empty Nest

     In the early, middle, and even later years of having my daughters at home, I never really considered the concept of the “empty nest.” Surely that wasn’t really a thing. Guess what? It really is a thing. My oldest was married 5 years ago and lives 7 hours away. My youngest moved 5 months ago. She lives 7 hours away.The empty nest has come home to roost.

     So, how am I handling it? Depends on when you ask. But, as I settle into life as an empty-nester I am learning a few things:

     1.  I can now prepare asparagus and broccoli for dinner without hearing "Ewwwww! Do I HAVE to eat that?"

     2.  I can clean the bathrooms on Monday and they are still clean on Friday.

     3.  Laundry really doesn't have to be done every day. Who knew?

     I am also learning that if I could roll the clock back a few months (or years):

     1.  I would happily return to preparing spaghetti, macaroni and cheese and chicken nachos every night.

     2. I would happily pick up those clothes that always piled up behind the bathroom door and scrub the tub every day.

     3. There are worse things than washing, drying and folding clothes.

I miss my kids. There. I said it.

     Don't get me wrong. I'm not sitting around moping. I'm up and at 'em every day, living my life, working hard and moving forward. I know this is why we raise our children... to eventually release them to become happy, healthy, independent adults who will live productive, happy, prosperous lives…and live those lives in such a way as to have a positive influence on society. I get that. I also get this: 

                                                   I. Miss. My. Kids.

     Someone recently said to me, "But you wouldn't want them to live with you forever would you?" Actually.... I kinda’ get the whole "Dallas" thing now. You remember “Dallas,” right? 

     The entire, flawed, fun, feuding, fussin’, cussin’, lovin’ Ewing family---grandparents, parents, kids, etc.--- all living under one roof! 

     I could SO be Miss Ellie, happily moving through life with all of my brood living under the same roof. Now hear this: Each family would have their own wing complete with their own bathrooms and laundry rooms!  There would be total autonomy for each family, with no butting into one another's business. But, everyone could gather together around the dinner table at night and give thanks for the food (asparagus for me... mac 'n cheese for them) and for each other.

    Does that sound old-fashioned and sappy in today's modern world where careers, and life's obligations and responsibilities are separating us not just geographically but also relationally? (Yes, Grammarly, I know it's not a word, but it should be.)

    Well, don't expect me to apologize. As Miss Ellie would say, "We may be right and we may be wrong, but we're family, we stick together and that's what makes us unbeatable."

    Wonder if Southfork can be rented for a family vacation?