So what do you do with an empty-nest? - Page 15

HImom · 09-08-2009, 07:42 PM

The couple we hiked Havasu Canyon with were in fairly good shape (young adults in early 20s), but they had a heck of a time, even tho my BF carried the water for all of us & he & I split up carrying the tent. They were just not fit in the way you need to be to hike down & then back up a canyon. We were surprised how pitch black it got (tho fortunately we had just reached the floor of the canyon at that point).

So tough when folks are stubborn and haul others along with them to imperil all of them. I know some folks very like that as well. Somehow they always point the blame away from themselves too!

VeryHappy · 09-08-2009, 08:38 PM

I hope I'm allowed to do this, and I hope the link works:

Slate Magazine - Editorial and Political Cartoons, Comic Strips

VeryHappy · 09-13-2009, 08:17 AM

^^^One week later, I see the link doesn't go to the cartoon I intended. Apologies. Nothing political intended.

wbow · 09-15-2009, 04:57 PM

how is everyone? i hope you're all blissfully happy and adjusting to all of the changes.

i am sending off my last for his last year later this week--still waiting for the happiness fairy to bop me on the head or something.....

PackMom · 09-16-2009, 05:36 PM

wbow, the happiness fairy will bop you in the head next spring when he graduates.
There never was any doubt that my oldest would grad. on time. He was an honor student. But still I was surprised at the huge feeling of relief and happiness I felt when he crossed that stage.

wbow · 09-17-2009, 10:16 AM

i just can't face an empty dinner table. i hate it. so, i guess my diet will suffer a bit as i make a whirlwind schedule of dining out so i don't have to face it for a while. bring on pinot!

Maziemom · 09-17-2009, 09:28 PM

For me things are much better thank goodness. My D has been away for 4 weeks now and as she has gotten settled into her new life at school she has called more often, sent more text messages,etc Everything is going really well for her and I couldn't be happier. I have started volunteering at the local food pantry 2 days a week which has helped me in many ways. My younger D has ajusted more to her sister not being here and that has also helped me feel better. I think what was getting to me the most about my D being away is not being involved in her life day to day. I know she didn't tell me half of what was going on but she always had a lot of stuff to talk about everyday and I miss that alot.

I really hope things are getting better for everyone else. I think its great that we have a place to go and talk about how this is effecting us good or bad.

eadad · 09-18-2009, 04:26 PM

After suffering through the emptiness in the house the first year with number one, it took far less time to acclimate when number two went off....we miss them but also revel in seeing them so happy.

Quote:

So what do you do with an empty-nest?

....Enjoy it.....

khsstitches · 09-20-2009, 07:21 PM

^good answer! Well....my D's are both happy, 1st year and 3rd year but my empty nest has filled with a mother who is not well and making not so hot choices....sigh. Guess that list of fun stuff will have to wait awhile. Even though she is 2 states away its phone time and emotional energy.....I know I should not feel annoyed......but honestly, I do. Having been the primary parent (despite being married) for 20 years I was really looking forward to some *me time*. Anybody else in this boat???

milkandsugar · 09-21-2009, 08:04 AM

I was in somewhat of a similar situation. last year when our only child was going off to college, Husband and I planned to take a much needed vacation, after a few traumatic years of losing our parents to illnesses. It had been an emotional roller coaster and now my D was leaving. Looking forward to some alone time with hubby, my sister became gravely ill and we had to care for my nephew. I was resentful in a way because my sister has made poor choices that always lead up to her health crisis. I actually thought she was going to die and i really was not prepared to take on a younger child at that time. But if I had to I would in a heartbeat. Needles to say she is ok, lot of health issues but it is what it is.

WhirledPeas2u · 09-21-2009, 08:22 AM

My D is a senior and I am starting to prepare myself for the empty nest while we are still filling out the apps. I have always played tennis, volunteered, and generally kept myself busy. The empty space was looming before me every time I thought about my last one leaving. I have since joined our local Guardian Ad Litem program and hope that the time helping unfortunate children in my community will be the thing that will help to fill the space I know will need filling when she leaves. I felt it was important to start this volunteer program now, because I was afraid I would go into empty nest depression if I didn't already have things to do that did not have anything to do with taking care of my children in place.

khsstitches · 09-21-2009, 06:29 PM

^good for you! I am sure you will be wonderful.

milkandsugar - yes, it is what it is....I just wish she would take a good look at what is going on in her life healthwise, and why....and make some safer, smarter choices. Now, doesn't that sound like talk for a teenager??? Guess it cycles around....

milkandsugar · 09-22-2009, 04:44 AM

^I agree. If only our loved ones knew that their free will choices affect those around them. I gues the saying is true, "once a man, twice a chid."

missypie · 09-25-2009, 12:01 AM

So, SIL and BIL (the out of shape empty nesters who want to hike down and up the Grand Canyon in one day) did their first training hike. Setting: Nevada, 100 degrees. I don't know what their original plan was but they took a wrong turn and after wandering around for 15 miles, SIL started to throw up. Fortunately, BIL still had a signal on his cell phone. He called 911 and a helicopter came to rescue them.

khsstitches · 09-25-2009, 06:22 PM

^OMG. I hope they learned their lesson - ? I recall you said they are stubborn??!! That was one expensive hike!