As my husband and I head into our 3rd year as empty nesters (we’re veterans now), I have chosen to focus on the upsides of this period in our lives. Now, don’t get me wrong. This mom cried her eyes out when I dropped each of my 2 kids off at college and I still get teary whenever I leave my daughter in NYC.
One of those upsides is visiting them on their own turf. My daughter Melissa, 25, lives and works in NYC. During college, she attended Appalachian State in Boone, NC. Visits to Boone were soothing for the soul as we soaked up the beautiful mountain air and gorgeous scenery. Fast forward 4 years later to an internship in Manhattan, which led to Melissa’s first job. This had always been my daughter’s plan since 8th grade when our family visited the Big Apple and Melissa just KNEW she HAD to live there someday. Since 2011, Mike and I have visited NYC in April and October and have fallen in love too. What’s not to love about a city so vibrant and full of life, with a melting pot of cultures and the best restaurants on the planet?
Our son Sean, 20, goes to University of North Carolina, Wilmington. On visits there, we get to experience the laid-back beach culture of Wilmington. This city is very historic, with a vibrant downtown area lined with lively restaurants and bars along its waterfront. These visits usually involve long walks on the beach and always with our chocolate lab Ferris in tow, because we don’t think we’d be welcome without him.
Yes, I miss my kids. But there is something magical about seeing them in their own place, doing their own thing. The pride I feel as I watch them move towards adulthood warms the heart. And, Melissa and Sean, thank you for picking such fun places for mom and dad to visit you!!
Yes, you are now officially graduated from parenthood. You will always be a parent, but you have cut the apron strings! You have let them fly to the level that you have nurtured them to! Be proud of YOURSELVES! You have done a great job and NOW IT IS YOUR TIME!!!
WOW, WHAT FUN YOU HAVE AHEAD OF YOU!!! Love Fran
Fran you are so right! Caution: Fun Ahead! Thank you for your comments!
My daughter is a senior in high school and my son a freshman. Part of me is dreading the day when she will leave for college next year. I know I will still have my son at home, but it will be so strange with her not here. I am glad there are a few perks I can look forward to. Visiting from Sits!
I totally get your feelings! It is such a difficult transition, but you eventually understand that this if how life will be and embrace it! We spend 18 years with our kids and then they leave…no one prepares us for this! Thank you for stopping by!
Very nice Lisa!