Hi Ladies,
I just read about this website in AARP magazine and couldn't wait to log on...I have been married for 30 years to the love of my life and have raised 4 wonderful children...the problem is that the baby just turned 21 and I think I am now walking around in shock...I was so busy and so caught up in raising my family that now I am feeling like a ship at sea with no sail and no rudder...I am not sure what I should do next...I keep thinking that I should be "doing" something important...my husband tells me to "relax and just enjoy doing nothing" but quite honestly it's driving me insane...I still do volunteer work at the hospital and at my church...but nothing feels fulfilling to me now...
have you ladies been thru this empty nest thing yet? Does it get easier ? Or is this all there is?? I have read a few posts...you all sound like a lovely bunch...looking forward to making some new friends...

Thanks, Nancy

Nancy........welcome to a wonderful site! You will find many ladies that have gone thru or are going thru the Empty Nest Syndrome.
I hate to admit it, but I didn't go thru it.
I was so happy to see my daughters out on their own. I was, and still am very proud of them.
They moved away from here(Olympia, WA) and then came back. So maybe that's why I didn't go thru the ENS.
I know there will be many other women on here to help you thru it.
You've found the right place.
Lynne

I am counting the days till my kids are out on their own...by the time the last one is old enough, I'll be in my early to mid 60's. My nest has been full for 24+ years already...
Bring it on!!

Thanks for the Welcome Lynne, I live in the Philadelphia PA area and my oldest daughter Mandy lives in Anacortes WA...out near you..it's really beautiful country out there but it's way too far away from me on the East Coast..I miss her every day...her Hubby is in the Navy so she didn't have much say about where she would be located...you are very lucky that your girls all came back to you...Just proves how important you are in their lives...Maybe I'll be that lucky some day too...
Talk to you soon, Nancy

I hope that didn't sound unsympathetic to all of you who are upset about this time in your lives.

Nancy,
My youngest (of 4) is practically 21 -- they've all flown the coup, and two went out west. One is in school up there in Philly! I myself went back to school a few years ago and am now working in a job that I adore, with interesting people and a lot of challenges, so have a new life with new interests. I don't have time to miss my kids, though I truly do miss them whenever I stop to think about it. Also, I can talk with my kids about office sorts of things -- we're experiencing similar things some of the time. I also can't stand to do nothing.

Hi Nancy....You descriped the feeling well. I remember thinking 'oh to have some time and space of my own', and then when it happened, i felt lonely and lost. But those feelings passed, and then, because some of us were used to thinking if something is too enjoyable, lord it's gotta be wrong, i started to feel guilty. (but that passed too). Have a sweet day Nancy...

Western

Enjoy yourself woman - when it all happens - you will have deserved every last moment of peace....
and don't apologise, who among us has done what you have done? I salute your longevity and perseverence! And by the time they all leave, you'll have that many more back in the way of grandchildren - so if you get any time - take it!

God love ya' girl

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Nancy,
Yup...Anacortes is up the way from me. It's beautiful here in the Pacific Northwest.
Western Bluebird,
I was married at 18, and both my girls were on their own by the time I was 40.
No, you were not being unsympathetic as far as I'm concerned.
I worked, was room mom, 4-H leader, fastpitch coach, soccer coach, and many other things for my girls, and when they left the nest, I gave a big sigh, and said, "Now it's my turn."
And yes, I'm so glad they decided to come back to the nest.
They both live in the same developement. Sure makes it nice for me.
'Nough said.......Goodnite all
Lynne

Thanks girls for all of the empathy...I have really been afraid to say any of this out loud...my friends kept telling me how great I would feel when my kids all left..but guess what...it doesn't feel very good yet...I miss having them here, laughing and talking and I really miss all of the hugs and kisses..but maybe it will grow on me...DJ..Where in Philly does your child go to school? My Youngest is a Junior at St. Joe's...talk to you all soon, Nancy