Your Empty Nest

          It’s time to take down the crepe paper streamers and retire the banner across the garage door congratulating your Senior in high school for graduating.  You feel a sense of let down—as though all your focus for the past 365 days has been on getting your Senior, your 18 year old treasure to this point.  Graduation was memorable—brothers, sisters, possible Grandma and Grandpa and a few friends were in attendance.  You prepared an easy sandwich buffet so guests could nibble and sip while you ironed that last crease out of your Senior’s gown and everyone felt comfortable in your home as the attention focused on your Senior, your pride and joy, your child, your life. 

          And before you knew it, someone at the party said it was time to head to the stadium to get a good parking place.  You looked around the room realizing these were the people who meant the most to your Senior-who supported your Senior through all of this and were here to celebrate this accomplishment…graduation from high school.  The ceremony was endearing, at times annoying with a family much too boisterous for their child…but it was a special occasion for all involved in your family.  Now what?  You’ve heard friends talk about this empty nest syndrome but you have all summer until this will affect you.  NO YOU DON’T!  WAKE UP! THIS IS IT! 

          Each day this summer will be a memory, a milestone in and of itself.  There will be the last few family barbeques, final fireworks on the Fourth of July, trips to the mall to begin gathering things for the freshman dorm room, renting movies for the family to enjoy with buttery popcorn and suntea, summer trips to visit Grandma and Grandpa, Aunts and Uncles and cousins you’ve all grown up with.  Reflect on the memorable high school years with all the ups and downs and prepare yourself for the next chapter—even more exciting and emotional than you can imagine!  Enjoy this summer and realize you’re a “Senior Survivor” as you survived that Senior year and you will enjoy this next phase, too.  It will be a tricky, emotional, fun packed experience.  Take a moment each day to breathe, to reflect, to appreciate.  ENJOY! 

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