Empty Nest (ish)

One of the things those of us that are parents look forward to is when our children grow up and move out on their own.

Going to college doesn’t count (in my book).

Granted, there are many who are sad when their nest is empty. I get it. That wasn’t me. I looked on with pride, wonder, and a little trepidation as each of our birds flew off on their own.

Until they flew back.

Some stayed for weeks, some for months, one for a few years later in life, and one moved their stuff in, arranged their room, and seemed to have only stayed for days. Some have stayed with us once. One stayed a handful of times. One hasn’t stayed here as an adult, yet, but there is a space for them should they ever need one.

Each time our empty nest was more like a revolving door, there was still a sense of pride. They felt comfortable with us but still wanted to be out on their own.

I bring this up now because one stayed with us recently due to a leak in their basement apartment. What they’d hoped was going to be just a few days turned into a few weeks. They moved back home a little over a week ago. The house feels both quiet and empty.

Again.

Until the next time.

Appreciating our kids and their sense of independence,

Llama