Empty Nest: Would You Do It All Again?

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I recently came across a delightful story about a friend named Mark who, as he and his wife Jenna dropped off their youngest at college, turned to her and said, “…as I was saying.” It was a lighthearted moment, but it also captured a truth: parenting is a beautiful interruption in our adult lives, and once the kids head off, we can pick up where we left off.

Reflecting on life after the kids have flown the nest, I’ve noticed a few things:

• The term “empty nest” could use a makeover. I’d prefer not to define this new chapter by what’s missing.
• Transitioning to an empty nest is as significant as the shift to parenthood. It comes in waves, filled with pride and happiness one moment, and a few tears the next. It’s reminiscent of the early years, just with more sleep!
• The grocery store has become an unexpected treasure trove of memories. Each aisle is a reminder of my children’s favorite snacks, bringing on a wave of nostalgia.
• Just like how I connected with other moms when my first child was born, there’s now an entire community of empty nest moms eager to make dinner plans—on nights that aren’t dictated by school schedules!
• The shock of watching this wonderful stage of family life end doesn’t fade in just three weeks; it lingers longer than you’d expect.
• My kids, bless their hearts, were absolute mess-makers who left everything out. Now that I see their dorms, the evidence is irrefutable.
• I’ve realized my husband is tidier than I thought; I suspect he was just overshadowed by the chaos created by our kids.
• My car’s low fuel light no longer blinks at me first thing in the morning, a sight I used to see daily when sharing it with three teens.
• Despite my best intentions to focus on my spouse, kids, at every age, are a constant distraction. After two decades of chaos, it’s a gift to find him still here.
• There’s a certain lightness that comes with an empty nest, like finally shedding a heavy load. Even when the kids are away, it’s hard to be completely free from thoughts of their daily lives.
• You never realize how loud your kitchen appliances are until the kids leave home.
• Tasks that once felt burdensome, like carpools and late-night pickups, turn out to be cherished moments that I now miss.
• College kids may feel homesick, but when they’re ready to go, they dive into their new lives at lightning speed. We may reminisce about the past, but they hardly look back.
• Kids bring with them a mountain of stuff, and honestly, I won’t miss a single item. Cleaning out their rooms feels like a long-overdue decluttering.
• The silence of an empty nest is both unsettling and refreshing, all at once.
• Only teenagers can create a kitchen mess at midnight. With no teens around, there’s no mess!
• The laundry jokes about college kids? All true. Expect that first frantic call about mixing colors and whites.
• My kids have no idea how frequently I washed their sheets. That’ll be the second call!
• Visiting your child at college can spark envy; seeing their new life can make you wish you were in their shoes.
• Ultimately, I believe the empty nest will be a wonderful phase. And honestly? I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.

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In summary, the transition to an empty nest brings a mix of nostalgia and newfound freedom. While we cherish the memories of raising our kids, it’s also a time to explore new beginnings in our lives.