Empty Nest Syndrome... Almost...

I love my children. They have grown into wonderful adults. BUT... there are days I really miss them being young: willing to sit and cuddle with Mama, happy to spend time sitting and talking, wanting to play games, listening to their laughter... all the wonder and joy a child brings.

Now I have...

Empty Nest Syndrome. (sorta - more the dread of the inevitable)

I always thought it would be a change but not overly difficult. I was wrong. It can be quite difficult at times... LOL

It is a huge change as children grow and drift apart. Intellectually I understand that it is a part of growing up, that we have all done the same. But I did not realize how difficult going thru it as the parent would be.

I was able to postpone it a long time, after all, I still had the younger ones. But my youngest is now 18 and moved out. Currently I have 2 sons at home, they are 19 and 29. I am not sure how long they will be here, but it is nice having them around again :)

Tho I do miss them being younger... LOL

Life... it is all about change. Some changes I like, some I do not.

The one thing I know, is that I cannot stop the changes. I can adapt & learn to live with them, or I can try to pretend they aren't there & live in fantasy. Only acceptance leaves the option for happiness.

I have fought depressions thru-out my life. Over the years I have learned many things to help keep the sadness at bay. I have done well enough that many think I am naturally optimistic... I wish! LOL

But I am glad that I know these things now. Knowing: to search and find the good things, to stop and say a "thank you" for them, to stop and enjoy the moments, to drop the "would", "should", and "could"s from my thoughts and vocabulary, that I can stop the negative thoughts and replace them with good ones, etc...

My grandchildren help also, PLUS, they go home when I am tired... LOL

So for right now...

Today is a good day.

It is a great time to get closer to the newest adults in my family.