Empty Nest

Wikipedia defines empty nest syndrome as a general feeling of loneliness that parents or guardians may feel when one or more of their children leave home.  It is more common in women. A strong maternal or paternal bond between the parent and child can make the condition worse. The
role of the parent while the child is still living with them is more
hands-on and immediate than is possible when they have moved out,
particularly if the distance means that visits are difficult.

I'm so feeling this "empty nest syndrome" and really have since my son moved 3000 miles away from home back in May of 2006.  I believed back then that the feeling would go away some day, but you know, it really doesn't.  I miss my boy every day!  I was thinking today that sometimes I so wish I could rewind my life back to the time when my son was 10 or 11.  

I loved his adventurous spirit; his smile.  I loved being his mother
as he was growing up and was and still am so very proud of him.  But
occasionally I get that empty nest feeling that just crushes me.  I want
my boy around.  I want to be part of his every day life and that's
pretty difficult when he is 3000 miles away. Some snapshots of our times
together.  Love you Keith!

 

 

Though these kiddos below aren't "my" kids, they are in my heart and help so much when I'm feeling blue or lonely and miss my boy.  I just have to pick up the phone and I can see any of them pretty much at a moment's notice.  Some of these kids live a little further away that a few minutes, but they all mean so much to me.  These are by no means all of my nieces and nephews.  I have 23 now I believe, maybe more.  Some days I lose count.  But no matter the number, I love them all.  They all bring so much to my life.  None of them can take the place of my own child, my boy, but they sure help Auntie when she's feeling lost without her boy.  Love you all!

Bryce, Teige, & Landry - my brother's boys.                                                          

Reyanna - my godchild.  She makes my heart so happy!

From the bottom-- Kaitlin, Dakota,
Alexis, & Kayla. The
bottom girl and the top girl - my brother's daughters.  The two kids in
the middle - my sister's kids.  We had so much fun last week when Kayla
and Kaitlin came up for "Auntie night".  I'm so glad Kayla is driving
now and made the trip up with Kaitlin to spend some time in Londonderry.

Payton - sister of Reyanna, Bryce, Teige, and Landry.  My brother's daughter.  What a beautiful young woman she is turning out to be - both inside and out!  

Some of the gang at Christmas.  Jared, Nick, Travis, DJ, Keith,  Dakota, Kaitlin, Payton, Teige, Bryce, Alexis, Kayla.  Front row - Dillon, Landry, Reyanna. 

Love you guys and all my other nieces and nephews not pictured above and especially my boy who was the inspiration behind today's post!