Getting over the 'Empty Nest Syndrome'

jdasmom
Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:10:45 +0000

Well, I had been meaning to sit down and post to the empty nest thread since we dropped our younger son off at college a couple weeks ago. Once my husband and I got through the first couple days of alternatingly getting choked up over the sight of his empty (and now NEAT) bedroom, we started to realize that our dynamic toward each other was shifting somewhat- it was easier to remember how life was for us between our marriage 27 years ago and the birth of our older son 21 years ago. We actually ate out at our favorite Indian restaurant this past Friday night rather than run there to pick up an order (our younger son was always hanging around waiting to be fed!). More talking going on between us that did not involve the boys! We were even talking about taking a long weekend at the Cape in September. Imagine!

But then, before I got to write this, our empty nest evaporated…A dreaded call came in to me at work yesterday. Older son’s lease ran out in Boston and he and his friends did not come up with a new arrangement. Everyone was dispersing and most were moving home to live with their parents in our hometown (“until we figure things out and save up some money”) Older son ended up moving home yesterday “just for now”. Husband and I have reluctantly allowed it with all sorts of conditions but to be honest, I miss that empty nest thing we were only just starting to experience. I have decided it is only delayed a bit and will keep my hand firmly on older son’s back to secure new quarters. I mean, I was starting to see the nice side of this!!!