Hi there!

Anyone else in this stage of their life? I have been for 2 years and am really starting to feel it. I have 2 sons ages 22 and 23. Where did the time go??? They kept us so busy! I miss them so much! How did you adjust?

2~4,
rhythm

I'm about to go through it. My oldest graduated high school and is planning to go away (2 hours) to college.

I've always been a "stay-at-home mom" who has picked up odd jobs (during their school hours) when the money was tight.

So far I am not depressed, however, my daughter and I go to the grocery together and to the YMCA together on a regular basis.

I have picked up contract jobs again since moving to the Atlanta area for my husband's career. However, I want to take some time off and spruce up the house.

I am hoping that my habit of community volunteering and the contract jobs I pick up will help keep me busy and help me transition into the next segment of my life.

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Don't take anything personally.
Always be impecable with your word.
Don't assume anything.
Always do your best!

Hi EastCobbGABetsyH!

Thanks for the reply! I think you're right that we have to stay busy thru this transition. After thinking about this topic, I thought I have forgotten something else to help me/us...Time for us to have some fun! Time to really get to know your spouse again! Another new beginning...I even sat down at my piano today. Something I haven't touched since 3 years ago!

Take care,
2~4,
rhythm



[This message has been edited by rhythm (edited 03-11-2002).]

I never really knew how much I loved my children until they started leaving. I don't like to empty nest feeling. My middle son left home 3 months ago. He is 5 hours away. I felt an empty place in my heart for about 2 weeks. Now I feel ok about it. There's nothing we can do about it anyway. They have their lives now. I can remember being young, and ready to leave the nest. I never gave it a thought about how my mother must have felt. Now I know. Actually, it's kind of nice for the grocery bill to go down. But I still miss him.

Hi annette!

It is sad that we can't do anything about it. I know what you mean about how our moms must have felt. Mine still asks me to spend the night when I just visit her! We only see one another a couple of times a year.

Anyway, my youngest is on spring break and coming home tomorrow!!! YIPEE! I will enjoy every precious present moment!

Nice to hear from you!
rhythm

Well, I spoke too soon. They're all coming back. I'd gotten kinda used to less mess. But my kids know that I'm there for them,(within reason of course). My middle son is even considering coming home. Oh boy! All three grown kids under the same roof. My oldest and youngest, 22 and 19 argue like small kids. They've been driving me crazy lately. One day the whole house about came down with all of us yelling. Maybe empty nest isn't so bad!

Hi annette!

Wow! Any warning to prepare yourself, other than your middle son now too? Another growth spurt huh?

Hope you get along today!
2~4,
rhythm

Warning? I need a security guard! Ha! Sometimes I wish I knew how to say no. I love them all so much. And you know how we are. I feel guilty for every mistake I've ever made with them. I keep going over and over, thinking "Did I mess them up?" They really are terrific kids. They just rival too much. I keep hoping they'll get along well in life, because I never really have with my only brother. We only became civil to one another since my mom died 10 years ago. I just think family is so important, and that we should be able to have fun with each other above even best friends. Well, this is probably boring you all. See ya! Annette