Shaking legs and patting heads with Grandpa and Elmo.
I love our empty nest. Seriously love it. I thrive on the consistency of morning rituals and the respite of quiet evenings. I often smile when I walk through our tidy living room, and I thank God out loud for clean kitchen counters.
We married young and had babies right away, so we always looked forward to this season of just-you-and-me. At nineteen, we were quoting Browning, “Grow old along with me; the best is best to be.” And, we were right.
But…
Some days our little birds flit back to the nest and bring their babies along for a visit. Then I love stepping over tiny shoes on the living room floor. I treasure sippy cups on kitchen counters and stuffed animals on every chair.
Most of all, I love giving up my favorite spot on the arm of my husband’s chair so someone else can snuggle there.
I love sharing life with them. And, after they go home, I find the empty nest feels even sweeter.
Thanks for this post. Scott and I had babies right away too. When the kids are both gone visiting friends at this stage in life, we just kind of stare at each other and wonder what to do without the kids around. Glad to hear it gets better when they’re grown and out of the house!
Don’t worry, Carol. You will totally figure out what to do without them!
I was just bragging about you the other day and the way you’ve appreciated every single season. There are a lot of reasons I want to be like you, but that one is WAY up there. And I smiled at this line too: I thank God out loud for clean kitchen counters. That’s another legacy I love. He’s. In. Everything. (I thanked him yesterday for sending Neighbor Dave out with his trash can (to the curb) JUST as I was passing the window so I would remember to do it too. I still forgot – the mad rush to the car in the mornings, you know. But he tried, and I was grateful.
Oh, Serenity! “But he tried, and I was grateful.” What a great attitude!
Amen!