Oh, my heart hurts for those mamas whose kids live in distant places. It reminds me to complain less that my grandbabies are only 3 hours away; I know that’s nothing compared to a lot of people. I’m glad you discovered excitement in the wide open road! Congratulations on your first grandbaby coming soon!!! We have two granddaughters (age 3 and 1) and it’s been the best new adventure we could have.

Such a great comment! I appreciate you sharing these insights here about empty nests. Yes, embracing the chance to do things not previously available is a great way to experience the empty nest season. It’s been an interesting time for us to get to travel (well, prior to the past 12 months!) and stay out late at night getting doughnuts if we want to. 🙂 And once we handed off the family dog to our daughter, we really felt free to wander with no constraints other than work and money. lol.

The first year was the hardest for me, too, Susan. And actually I think it was the very hardest when the first child left, even though I still had my baby at home. The first one to leave woke me up that this was really happening. But it also brought many good things along with it too. And now that there are grands in the picture, it’s really been fun. 🙂

I appreciate hearing about your new adventures in your empty nest. Just as I expected, you are making the most of it and have hit the ground running! 🙂

Thanks, Theresa. It’s a season of life that got here all too quickly! But I have enjoyed it. Although it has its trials too, I didn’t know it could be this much fun.

Your nest still sounds quite plump, Anita. 🙂 I guess the difference is that our visitors now don’t stay for 18 or so years at a time. It is a different season for sure, but definitely still a good one!

For some that meant travel, others relocated, but for others the changes were simple in trying out things locally they’d never had time or even awareness that these activities were available for adults because their time and money were tied up with kids.

Those I know that seem to suffer the most are those who are living the very same lives they lived when their children were at home. If you had a full life when your kids were at home and you expand those opportunities once the kids are gone you likely are less impacted. However, if your life was primarily the kids then the loss is going to leave a hole if you don’t fill it with something that is a positive alternative.

Amen, Lisa. Can’t imagine struggling through on my own!