KateR,
I think we can all appreciate your views on the empty nest thing. THE SON has left (by his own choice) but I don't think I hampered his growth at all by not pushing him out of the nest. As Starting Over said, we are not all "cookie cutter" families.

I chose to let him make that decision for himself, and have always told my boys that as long as I have a home, they have a home. It wouldn't matter to me what age they were. I've also told my daughter-in-law the same thing.

Just as your love for your children is unconditional, mine is as well. That is what is so wonderful about a Mother's love... yes, there may be strings attached, but they become more and more invisible to the children as years go by...

If he moved back home tomorrow, so be it. I would welcome him. If he doesn't, that's okay too. As long as my children are happy, then Mamma's happy.

JJ

[ October 19, 2005, 02:37 PM: Message edited by: jawjaw ]