When the nest is empty there are perks…
- you eat out a lot more often (just easier, and life is all about easier at this point)
- laundry finally can be just one day a week
- quality conversations with hubby and no interruptions
- and phone conversations with no interruptions
- and baths, oh Lordy, baths with no interruptions
- the bank account begins to grow…an amazing discovery
- is that silence I hear?
When the nest is empty there are hurts…
- what I’d give to have that head laying in my lap as I stroked her hair
- or hear outrageous laughter at the dinner table when we’ve listened to a good story of the day
- what I’d give to cheer them on at a ballgame, or forensics meet
- or see the “Cinderella” moment as she leaves for prom
- what I’d give to have them sitting beside me in the pew at church
- or sprawled out on the couch on Sunday afternoon just because they want to be “home”
- is that silence I hear?
When the nest is empty there are grandbabies. (Or at least there might be)
- I get to cozy up and read story books, and we both take a nap.
- I don’t mind a bit answering “why?” for the 62nd time.
- I actually have and take the time for playing in the tents made of blankets, or creating a smorgasbord of play dough cuisine.
- I tuck them in, and say a prayer, and know that momma will take care of nighttime monsters or the 5th “I need a drink”.
- I see my past and my future all wrapped in one little package.
When the nest is empty I look back and feel so very thankful and blessed for all the moments (even speeding tickets, broken hearts, doctors bills…need I say more) that came with a house full of kids. I look back and think, “how did time go so fast?” I look back and think, love grew here.
When the nest is empty, I simply say, “Thank you Lord, for where I’ve been, and where I am, and where I’m going.” And I believe that 49andcounting is a wonderful place to be.
49andcounting 
Today Cole was begging me to let him shot me with an airsoft pistol. “Just in the leg, Mom.” Classes start for him Monday. Enough said.
Love the piece.
Girl – I LOVED this piece. Especially the part about looking at grandbabies and seeing your past and future all wrapped up in one little package! I, too, have an empty nest this year. For the first time since I was 19 – I have no children under my roof. Dave and I have been married 18 years and between us – raised 5 boys. Our youngest is in his first year of college. Dave and I are in our first year of only us. I miss the boys but also delight in the quiet evenings at home, shoeless entryway, seeing the floor of my laundry room, always finding toilet paper on the roll, a clean sink and food in the fridge. 🙂
I love this!! and every other that you write!
You have a great way of putting things in life into perspective when we forget those things.
Wow so true… all of it!