It's official. Today I'm an empty-nester.
Since my daughter started her senior year last fall, we've talked colleges, applications, SATs and ACTs until we were blue in the face. She finally settled on Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Since she was just a little girl, she has talked about going there so this really came as no great surprise to us. Not only does she like the school but it's close to home. Have I mentioned my daughter is a homebody? She has always been a quiet girl, kind of reserved. More of a listener than a talker and she is seriously addicted to her family.
When she 
graduated early (last December) she took some classes at the local college, just to get her feet wet but now the real adventure begins. I'm thrilled for her and can't wait to hear about what she's doing and who she is meeting in this brand new world.
As for me, I will cry a lot but not until after we've pulled from the parking lot and are headed home. So while I adjust to rattling around in this big house with just the two of us (just like we began), I will depend on the broad shoulders of my friends. So hang in there with me for just a little while. I promise I'll recover. And when it's your turn to face being an empty-nester, I'll be there for you, too.
Sniff Sniff.
14 comments:
Ah, Reg, I'm going to miss her too and I haven't even met her. She's the light of your life, and believe me when I say that I know how you feel. I'm 100 percent here for you whenever you need to talk, and cry, and need cyber hugs, but dont' worry. It's the beginning of a new adventure for both of you!
Lot's of love, and good luck. I'll be crying for you tomorrow too.
Hugs,
Sandy
Funny how life is truly a full circle, no matter how large of small the events. I hope the house doesn't feel too empty for you. I'm still in the thick of kids, dogs and cats, so being an empty nester feels like a lifetime away... heck I'm just starting to enjoy having my eldest babysit for me. But I know it disappears in the blink of an eye.
Here's wishing your girl all the best :D
hugs, Kris
Hey, sweetie! My youngest is 37 and all of mine have been out of the nest for awhile. I have had my oldest grandson in my home all his life until last year, when he ran away to live with his dad, I guess thinking things would be "better". I gave him permission to stay for the school year so he could learn what life was like with a slobby, smelly guy around the house. LOL!
I was alone for nine months. It took me about three of those months to stop crying when I would look in his room and he wasn't there. Then I realized I enjoyed being my own person again.
Well, my middle 'child' (age 40) moved in with me in March to try and save up money and pay off bills to get his family into a house instead if an apartment, so the nest is once again totally overflowing. Now I look back and say "Wow...what the heck would peace and quiet sound like again"?
Life rolls in circles, love, and the moment y9ou get used to her being out of the house, she'll be back for vacation.
Aahh, Regina. We're here for you. It's never easy when they leave home, but she'll be back. She's such a beautiful girl. That picture is gorgeous. Big cyber hugs coming your way!
Regina, I, too understand what you're going through and am here for you! My daughter is very much a home body and really had to push out of her comfort zone to go away to school. This Saturday she leaves to start her junior year (I can't believe it!) I got weepy last night when the first boxes hit the holding area in my living room.
I remember my mother telling me that after my parents dropped me off at college, that my dad cried in the car. Something about that tore a hole through me. I'd never see my dad cry. Okay, so I'm tearing up right now thinking about THAT and YOU and the emotion of the day.
You'll be fine but I know it's a difficult thing. My children both left at 18, too. Not for college but the next phases of their lives. It surely is a transition.
**Huge** hugs Regina. I've got three more years to get used to the idea of my first going off to college and I can tell you right now, I'm going to be the freak of the week when that happens.
I'm here for hugs and crying if you need it, but also to tell you it sounds like you've done a spectacular job in the mom department. She sounds like an amazing young woman.
Hugs to both of you!
Aw, Reg, we're here for you. I know how close you too are. She's going to flourish in college. I'm here if you need a shoulder.
Both of you will be absolutely fine. When my youngest left, I cried for two weeks straight before I began to remember what freedom felt like - I'd had kids from day one of our marriage! Don't worry, they always come back and you will have a blast visiting her!
Pretty sure my boys think they have a good scam going and are in no hurry to either a) get into college or b) find jobs. I'm kind of wishing they WOULD move their butts.
Thank you ALL for the comments and support. Every muscle and bone in my body aches today from all the moving and I was happy that I didn't cry until we drove out of the parking lot. But I won't forget the excitement I saw in her eyes and on her face as we fixed up her cute little place. It made me feel so much better knowing she was having an adventure.
Oh, sweetie. Your post made me cry. I know how close you are with Avery. Hang in there, honey. She'll be coming home on weekends for fun shopping trips with you and you'll be traveling to Lubbock to see both of your babies. Time flies so Thanksgiving will be right around the corner. Before you know it, you'll be stuffing the bird, surrounded by loved ones and football blaring in the background tv. Wish I was there to give you a big hug.
Hey, this will make you laugh. At least your daughter is old enough to know not to repeat all the dirty words Daddy says....yes, he's still at it. I've banned The Sopranos from the tv unless he's asleep too.
xxoo,
Alisha
Reg,
Take heart, she's still in the same state as you. Before you know it, she will be home for the weekend and the laundry and the food and the TV.
I'm not sure HOW I missed this. I think Dad was in the hospital?? Not sure.
Anyway, she's SOOOOO beautiful, Regina. Just so beautiful and smart. YOu have so much to be proud of!
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