Getting over the 'Empty Nest Syndrome'

Floating
Mon, 27 Aug 2007 10:37:29 +0000

Thanks, everyone, for your replies! I think the hard part is that my daughter is doing a pre-orientation, and then 4 days later is the “real” goodbye. She’s going to school in Boston, and we’re from the midwest, so I rented a place at the cape for a week. Sounded fun at first but then I got sick, was overtired, etc. I hunkered down, bawled like a baby, and luckily she didn’t know it. She and I are dealing w/a twist in this whole thing - she’s recovering from a 2 1/2 yr illness that almost took her life. I feel so incredibly blessed that she’s able to even go to school, let alone the one of her dreams! When I mentioned in the earlier post she was having it rough - it was based on her illness. She didn’t sound the least bit sad. She’s met some cool kids already and as long as her physical ailments don’t hold her back, she’ll be fine. At first I felt guilty for laying around in this rental crying and not enjoying the beach. Last night I went to dinner and met some fun people and today I am going whale watching. I dread Wednesday. Two good byes are rough. And, I wish I would’ve just decided to go home after Wed. Oh, well. I am honestly excited about the freedom. I just need to know she’s healed/recovered enough to fly from our nest. Had he doctor not let her try, though, would’ve taken away her hope for being back to being well.

I’ve set an appt to talk about starting my PhD. I already volunteer w/CASA, so have that “kid” connection, and may even become an emergency foster care mom. I’d love to make 7 figures in my salary. When I get gome, I am getting large poster boards and actually plot long-term and short-term goals for myself for a variety of areas. And, I am going to take a pottery class because I’ve been fascinated with potter’s wheels since I was a little kid!

Again, thanks everyone! Logically I know I will be just fine, and so will she! Emotionally, I wish I was in my own bed when I cry, so I could hug my dog.

As with everything else in life, this too shall pass and we all just take it one day at a time. (I hate trite cliches, but sometimes they’re true.) Best wishes to everyone dealing with this! :)