Today is a big day in my family’s life. As I am writing this, my wife is driving our rented minivan and our youngest is snoozing in the middle row as we are heading to their first year of college. The early stages of this morning's sunrise helped me to understand what I was feeling this morning...
I have NO DOUBT that your children have been parented “well enough.” That WAS your goal, wasn’t it? You and Amy will likely grieve the transition out of daily parenting kids under your roof—until you realize that the two of you can re-learn one another as individuals—lovers—best friends. I suspect you’re going to miss the kids AND you’re going to love this new found freedom! You have the next several years to grow into adult-adult relationships with your kids. They’ll still need you—on their own terms. And you’ll be in awe of their genius/their humanity/their friendships. And you will be grateful for all of it. Three of my four kids are HAPPILY married and living their own lives. And I feel so honored that they WANT me to join in sometimes. By the way, tomorrow night I’m heading to a Bengals game with my daughter and her 3 friends —they wanted me there! It’s the BEST!!
I know EXACTLY where that sign is in Falconer. And one of my favorite yarn shops used to be in Kennedy. Must have passed Randolph as well, my old stomping grounds.
Kelly Corrigan was interviewed about becoming an "empty nester." I'll send you the link. Blessings to you and Amy on your new adventure.
I have NO DOUBT that your children have been parented “well enough.” That WAS your goal, wasn’t it? You and Amy will likely grieve the transition out of daily parenting kids under your roof—until you realize that the two of you can re-learn one another as individuals—lovers—best friends. I suspect you’re going to miss the kids AND you’re going to love this new found freedom! You have the next several years to grow into adult-adult relationships with your kids. They’ll still need you—on their own terms. And you’ll be in awe of their genius/their humanity/their friendships. And you will be grateful for all of it. Three of my four kids are HAPPILY married and living their own lives. And I feel so honored that they WANT me to join in sometimes. By the way, tomorrow night I’m heading to a Bengals game with my daughter and her 3 friends —they wanted me there! It’s the BEST!!
I know EXACTLY where that sign is in Falconer. And one of my favorite yarn shops used to be in Kennedy. Must have passed Randolph as well, my old stomping grounds.
Kelly Corrigan was interviewed about becoming an "empty nester." I'll send you the link. Blessings to you and Amy on your new adventure.
Thank you Leslie! I was going to reach out to you if we were staying more in Western NY rather than going a ways further. :)
I wish the best for all five of you.
Thank you!!