I'm finding myself in an odd place in my life. My "baby" is 19, my 23 year old daughter was married last month. I've been a mom for a long time, and that has always been my main focus. I've worked part-time, full time, stayed home, did a bit of this and that, but every decision ever made was based upon how it would impact the kids.
Now I don't need to be that involved in their lives. Now my husband and I can consider how decision we make will impact us! Here's the thing: I absolutely loved being a mom (still do!). I'm grieving a bit, I guess. I'm thrilled for the kids and with them! It's just that I'm in transition, and even good transitions can be rough sometimes.
I'm doing more writing. I got my website on line. I'm slowly, tentatively, moving back in to some volunteer work for causes that are important to me. I don't want to overcommit though! I want to have time -- just time to be -- just time to do nothing -- just time to do what I want to do, whether that's working to make the world a better place, or taking a nap on my day off!
Some of my journey will be reflected in my writing in the months ahead. I promise there'll be no whining! I relish the thought of sharing the next part of my journey with my friends here at Gather! I enjoy sharing yours, too.
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Comments: 8
Good luck to you.
Enjoy yourself, keep yourself together. They'll need you from time to time. Have no fear.
In my church in Florida, there was one woman who worked at a day care center just during nap times in the infant room. She helped rock babies to sleep. Another volunteered at the children's hospital for the same reason - to rock babies.
But I think the empty nest time is a time of discovery. A time for trying new things, taking classes, reading new books, writing, exploring and traveling.