The emty nest syndrome sinks in...

@eileenleyva (27562)
Philippines
July 12, 2009 6:42pm CST
The past two decades had been devoted entirely to my two daughters. We had been an inseparable threesome. We had viewed Harry Potter and Lion King, Anastasia and Mulan, Charlie's Angels and the Sound of Music perhaps a hundred times each on DVD. The girls know the scripts and songs by heart. We had enjoyed playing the piano, singing, drawing, cooking, reading and praying together. Our humble abode had never been quiet. Conversation had been a pastime. Alas, my two babies are now all grown up and in college. The university had become their present universe. I am very much alone. The news on the radio and the programs on television are not much of a company. My nest, during daytime, is always empty. Have you experienced such?
3 responses
@axleskat (35)
• United States
2 Sep 09
I so long for my empty nest back! We had just gotten used to it and one of our daughters had to move back home with her 2 toddlers!! I have reverted to the stay at home mom...once again! But to fill my time when I lost my job last March, I have been trying to earn some money online...what the heck...I have all day to lean how!!
• United States
4 Sep 09
It is quite an adjustment! My youngest child is 25!!! We haven't had toddlers in 20 years! but it is kinda nice having little one's again!
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27562)
• Philippines
4 Sep 09
I know your back to a topsy-turvy home, ha ha! Children could be a handful but they also give me the most joy. Have great fun.
@eileenleyva (27562)
• Philippines
4 Sep 09
I do wish you have a great time earning and learning...and bonding with your family.Two toddlers! Waah!
@jalucia (1431)
• United States
12 Jul 09
I haven't experienced this because my children are still very young. But, I suppose that a good amount of parents go through this phase at some point. I think that you just have to get used to the quietness of your house and all the new "me" time that you have found. You must be proud of your girls - on their way to independence, achieving a higher education and making their way in the world. They are doing some adjusting of their own, too. They are not gone, they are just finding their way. And, I'm sure that they will be reaching out for you more, after things settle down for them. In the meantime, I believe that you will eventually find things to fill that void that you are feeling. Until you do, I would just advise you to bask in the glory of your good fortune (the relationship that you have with your daughters, the fact that they are moving forward in life, etc) and appreciate the time that you now have to devote to yourself. (Wait till those grandchildren arrive :) )
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27562)
• Philippines
13 Jul 09
I am overwhelmed by your superb understanding of my situation. Your children are very lucky/fortunate/blessed to have you for a parent. I did go to some depressive state. Loneliness could be stressful. But I have come to accept that my children have their own lives to live, are asserting their individual selves right now, and are not dependent on me anymore. I am so proud of them! They constantly bring me honor with their achievements. Friends and strangers alike could not help but give me credit. I am so humbled. Everyday, I go down on my knees to thank God for my daughters. My prayers too for you and your children.
@jalucia (1431)
• United States
14 Jul 09
Yhsnk you sooo much! As mothers we all struggle with a wide array of emotions. After all, we are only human (as we have to often remind people). But, I am sure ... even moreso now ... that you will be just fine. You know, a lot of us have a hard time admitting that we are lonely. You not only did that, you aimed for a solution. Good for you!! (and thank you for your kind words)
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27562)
• Philippines
14 Jul 09
You're welcome, jalucia. But I know that you deserve more than kind words. Am sure God will bless you more and more. He can see deeply right into your perceptive and sympathetic heart.
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
31 Dec 09
i have to a certain extent because my daughters are getting older, one is 16 and the other one is 12 and they have their own friends and their own interests which keep them busy. i sometimes find the day long when they are at school but my trick is to keep busy. i have several hobbies that i enjoy and make money on plus being here on mylot keeps me busy too!
1 person likes this