Empty Nest

This is the second time I have become an empty nester. I would imagine it's not that uncommon any more considering the divorce rate these days. My step-son, Number Five, left for his college journey two weeks ago. He's up in the mountains, a two hour drive from home. Just the right distance. Not too close, but not too far away. It's still been a harder adjustment for me than I thought it would.

Each one of the children leaving has been a different experience. When son, Number One, now thirty years old, left for college he went a mere thirty-five miles away. It could have been a million. I was left at home with one crazy, now ex-wife and two teenage girls. I visited him quit often. It was so traumatic that I even found his cafeteria food tasty! I became somewhat of a regular. When he joined a fraternity his nickname was Captain. I was Admiral!

When daughter, Number Two, now twenty-eight, left it was...phew! See ya! Good luck! She was ready to get out and let us know by being a real pain-in-the ass for the months leading up to the departure. She had it all figured out. No interest in continuing her education, she had a job and she could afford to be living on her own. Just not too far away from home. This monumental move was a mere other side of town move. Close enough to come home and raid the kitchen pantry before heading on to that high paying job.

When daughter, Number Three, now twenty-six, left it was the first empty nest experience. This was my little baby girl moving out the day after her high school graduation. This was a real tough one. After all, hadn't it been just the other day I had put her on a bus heading off to kindergarten? And worst of all...I'm left alone with a crazy, now ex-wife! No need to fear! Number One decides he needs to save money for a car and replaces Number Three! Empty nest lasted, oh, a couple of months.

Speed ahead a few years to divorce then re-marriage. Step-daughter, Number Four, now twenty-three, is somewhat a rerun of Number Two (with a little bit of Number Three thrown in). So much in fact that that's the nickname I give her...Rerun. But she ads a new twist. She is sure living on her own is a must after high school graduation, but still can't decide on the higher education thing. So, Rerun also becomes a boomerang! Over the past four years she's been in and out three times! Number Five and I have told her the first three were on the house. Next time we charge professional movers rates! The most famous move was a three day college career at the Savannah College of Art and Design. We refer to that as Number Four's belongings visit Savannah, Georgia for the weekend. But that's a blog for another day. Anyway, Number Four is settled into college thirty miles away. Happy and content for now and still close enough to raid our pantry.

So here I am. I have a beautiful young bride I love to pieces and am looking forward to growing old with. I miss them all but I'm starting to get into this new phase of life. The one thing is...I want you kids to know...I leave the light on every night in the living room by the front door for all of you. We did change the locks though...