Coming up on the one year anniversary of DS commissioning. DD finding her way through adulting. DW and I navigating the empty nest. The good and the bad. We talk to DD (non military) pretty much daily. DS deployed in Japan and we talk to him when we can. The good? No kids around when we want our time. The bad? No kids around. The interesting part is we planned to sell the big house we live in once the kids were out of college and downsize, but now we find we love it too much and can’t picture leaving. DD coming home to visit with boyfriend in a couple weeks. He’s a great guy and someone very good for DD. Planning to go visit DS in July or August. My career is winding down as it feels like DW’s is ramping up. Life is good, even if a bit different. Post your empty nest or soon to be empty nest story.
The house was a lot more active when we had four kids in it. Endless soccer games, hockey games, football games, making lunches for school, driving here-and-there, etc. Work all week, mow lawn on Saturday, Little League on weekends. Collapse on Sunday night, rinse, repeat.
Then they got their driver's licenses and the misses & I bought a beater (used car) and they weren't so dependent on us parentals for rides. Good, right? Well, not so much. Missed the conversations during the drives.
Then they when away for college and/or military service. Oh, not like the 1970s, due to email, texting, cell phones, etc., but still a shock. Lonely.
Remember when you were on active duty & couldn't wait to get out & have some, like, relaxation, privacy? And then it happened & you were...bored? Missing the barracks & a hundred guys around?
Honestly, we had some boomerang experiences during 2020-2021 Covid Pandemic, couple of kids moving back for a time. It was GREAT. Watched 6 seasons of "Monk" and 7 seasons of "House" throught streaming videos while hoarding toilet paper. And beer.
Now, my house is worth $300K more than 2 years ago, but we use only one out of four bedrooms. The once busy home is quiet. And if we sell, where to go? I guess Florida is an option, but the misses wants to be close to Boston hospitals (cancer survivor - yeah!) and the now-grown up kids. And future grandkids. Fingers crossed.
Wish I could do it all over again and cherish more than I did.
Cats in the cradle.
I wish I were 34 again, pulling in the driveway & hearing "Daddy's home!" from excited rugrats. Nirvana.