Oh dear hotflashgal, I understand very well. This may sound weird, but I will soon be experiencing an empty nest because my two year old grandchild will return to her parents after we have had her for a year.

I'm planning to delve into my work full time. Fill my days with reading, and painting. Things I just never could do while she was here. Although my heart is heavy because she’s leaving, I believe we will always have a special connection with one another, and for that I’m thankful.

Your children will be back, and it will be a wonderful homecoming each time...And before you know it, you have developed a new you. It's a cool feeling to think; what do I want to do now...and not what should I do now, or what makes my kids happy. You'll see, you won’t want to give up that feeling any more.

THANK YOU for your support ladies. I do have my relatively new business to work on and my husband and I have never been without children....never really had a honeymoon period (we were married 4 years ago) so it will be a good time to do some cultivating of my own. It is just so weird to think that after 20 years of taking care of children day after day, that I will have so much time to myself. As mothers I think we become so connected to that identity. It is ironic. When your children are small you so crave time to yourself, and now it is over in what seems to be in a blink of an eye. It is definitely bitter sweet. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Dotsie..believe it or not..I DON`T go nuts when everyone is at their computers and I`m off to work..I kinda smile to myself and wish I could be doing what they are doing..but I am older and don´t have the energy anymore..eventho I am a nightowl..but I need to sleep in..like your mom did, Dotsie! The way I look at it..you are only young once..without responsiblities..and you might as well enjoy it!

Love, Peace and Understanding!

Humlan, your wisdom never ceases to amaze me...And yes you are only young once.

humlan, I need to adopt your attitude. Thanks for the new perspective. I love hearing it and will try to live by it. Really - thanks!