A Quiet House

The holidays are over—and the most noticeable artifact of this reality is that our two oldest kids are back at college.

I can hear a pin drop.

OK, the youngest—our terrific Kevin—at nine years old—is still here (for which Mom and I are eternally grateful), so perhaps “quiet” is not a good adjective. Let’s just say that his constant “boy-noise” is music to our ears, but still well below the decibel level that the full trio of kids (and their friends) bring to the house.

Wise old hands at this empty nest stuff say the following about the arrival of the college kids for the holidays: “You’re gonna love it when they arrive—and you’re gonna REALLY love it when they leave!”

For the Moore family, this is only a half truth, for we hate it when they leave—even though we know they are adults with lives and friends and a multitude of plans. Intellectually, we are delighted at their independence, their confidence and their fast-paced lives without Mom & Dad in the way.

Of course, we say that while looking at pictures of them as toddlers on the beach, posing with Scooby Doo at a theme park or various other growing up moments. Emotionally, we are a blob of goo.

Kleenex, anyone?

The holidays at the Moore house were a constant stream of 18-20-somethings in our home. Watching movies, playing games, baking cookies and generally having a blast. Of course, even in this scenario, Mom and I are merely at the margins of this activity—and yet it still energizes us and makes us feel like they are still in high school. The controlled chaos was exhililarating!

Here’s a quick video of Moms discussing true “empty nest syndrome”. Touching—and at times amusing:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwutkZTcZX0


We cannot lay claim to TRUE “empty nest” feelings—as our dear Kevin has spared us the drastic change. We are weaning ourselves away from being parents in the sense of making sure that the kids CONSTANTLY have ol’ Mom & Dad forcefully inserted into every waking moment of their lives.
Poor Kevin has the burden of being the closest thing to an “only child” once the dust clears. Although I’m certain that he misses his brother and sister, I think he is doing a much better job of coping!

Someday, it will be HIS turn to venture out there—and I hope that Mom and I get better about dealing with it when that time comes.

I genuinely feel sorry for those parents who gleefully send their kids packing. Was it really THAT BAD?

Peggy and I are fortunate beyond belief to have three incredible kids, two of whom are starting their conquest of the world—and the third, who is keeping Mom and Dad from dissolving into an emotional trainwreck!

By the way, when is Spring Break?

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