[erkyl]

I’m getting ready to face it myself for the first time in August. Combined with the loss of my career, my mother’s dementia, the unstable economy, fear for my husband’s job, and worries about paying for college, it’s getting to be a lot to deal with. My sweet boy has been my pride and joy. I’m not sad that he’s going on with his life, I’m going to miss him. He’s a great young man. I’ve enjoyed having him in my life.

[grame]

I was ready and excited for my first-born to go off to college. Little did I know the adjustment period would hit us smack in the face at the oddest times. In particular, we had supper every night at 6pm. All 6 of us. Mandatory attendance, except for sporting events or work. Then there were 5. WOW. He was a talker and his absence was palpable. And for a time I resisted calling things family things because the ‘family’ wasn't all there. It was an unexpected adjustment for me.

[Freedom56v2]

Wow you do have a lot to deal with.

I am planning to do things just for me that I have put off—plus do some retraining as I suspect no retirement anytime soon thanks to our dear friends in Washington.

However, my older son has just asked if he can boomerang back to finish grad school, so tho I miss my son who is now 12 hours away and will severely miss my daughter who will be 8 hours away, I won’t actually be an empty nester....