Empty Nest Revisited

Experiencing More Withdrawal Pangs

Part I - Children Returning to the Nest Temporarily

Several months ago I wrote an article about Empty Nest Syndrome wherein I shared my personal experience of dealing with an empty nest. I shared how the sorrows I experienced missing my children had hit me in waves. I've had my three children out from under my roof for three years now and I thought I had become very comfortable with the extra elbow room my empty nest allowed. I was wrong.

Although my middle child has lived on his own for some time now he has continued to live in our community. Not very far away either as he had found an apartment in our neighborhood. Seldom a week would go by that we would not see each other. During this time he has been attempting to save enough money to move out of our city to try his wings elsewhere. But as with many of us, month-to-month living expenses were not leaving much leftover to deposit into his "run away account."

I spoke with my husband and we agreed that perhaps we could help boost our son's savings account, not by giving him a hand out with dollars, but by inviting him to move back home to live with us for a few months so he wouldn't have to pay rent or pay out for all the additional expenses that go along with living on his own.

My husband and I have become use to having our home to ourselves. Things were going to change. We have all heard horror stories of children returning home and all the baggage that goes along with it, and I'm not talking about luggage mind you.

Although our son was reluctant to take us up on the offer he agreed it was a good temporary plan. My emotions were bubbling inside me as well, I was looking forward to having him home with us but at the same time I knew there would be emotional adjustments to be made. This was to be a temporary arrangement. After all, once a child has had his/her taste of independence it is not easy to move back home and deal with parents again.

The plan was put in motion. He gave his landlord 30 day notice that he would be leaving and began preparing for his move back home. I set out clearing a space for him in our home. Then an especially BIG WAVE slammed up against me, and opened up the floodgates.

Next: The Big Wave