My Nest is the Best

I had intended on writing about My Scottsdale trip, but after a frustrating hour or more trying to figure out how to post photos, I give up and will try again tomorrow. Gotta get my pics on my phone onto the Ipad and for some reason it won't let me. Or more than likely, I can't figure it out. Whatever-

So, stay tuned for those photos. I know you are on the edge of your proverbial seat.

I was texting my friend the other day because I knew she was taking her youngest to college.

I have several friends who are either taking their youngest (Vicki, Nancy) or their middle (Jodie) or their oldest (Kym) to college in the next few days. It's hard. I totally get that.

My oldest son, who graduated college over 2 years ago, sent me a picture yesterday of the day we took him to college...exactly 6 years ago. I would include the pic, but...you know.....

Anyway, he was thanking us for his college experience and saying things like "greatest 4 years of his life" and "thank you" and "I love you guys."

My youngest son was home for a few days last week. He rarely gets home that often because he plays college football, but he got to come home for a bit before football camp and two-a-days started up.

Anyway, when he pulled out of the driveway to go back to school, he was already in "football mode." I could tell he was kind of dreading it because this is his 5th year...he KNOWS what's coming. And he also knows this is it for him. Bittersweet I guess. Probably more bitter.

He graduates in December and then his "life" really starts. I know he will look back on his college years as some of the best of his life.

 When we send our kids to college, when the last one leaves, we refer to ourselves as "Empty Nesters." I have also hated that! It sounds so old. So, whoa is me.

Like the last bird flew the coop. It conjures up images of feathers everywhere, and nothing but a sad little fragile nest...empty...with Momma and Daddy bird wondering what they will do next. Looking at each other like... what now?

I remember people asking me things like..."So what are you going to do now?" OR "What will you do with all your time?"

I thought I had to DO something monumental or BE something monumental.

Was I sad when I dropped off my oldest at college 6 hours away? Absolutely! Did I cry? Uh, yeah! I cried for a long time. Not just on the ride home.

When my youngest left last week, I felt like I was sending him off to war. I cried again.

But, the fact that the nest is empty is a good thing. I would be crippling them if I insisted that they stay in the nest or even just a few branches over.

I want them to have life experiences and... wait for it...you knew it was coming....spread their wings and fly! lol

I want better for them than just the things I could show them in my "nest."

Does it make me sad that time goes too quickly and do I wish I could have a do over with them? What parents doesn't.

But, to say my nest is empty or void of anything, well its just not true. I like my nest. I liked it when the baby birds were there and I like what its becoming now. And more importantly, what they are becoming since they flew the coop. Ok, enough with the bird references.


Grateful,
DD