The Susan Sequel

Hello friends… obviously, it’s been awhile since I blogged. And surprisingly, more than one person has asked me to write again (even though Hannah repeatedly works it in into every conversation). I appreciate that people want to hear what I have to say. In short, life has been good and life has been busy. My son graduated high school in May, went up and back to summer school at the University of Florida and is now back there again as a Freshman. My daughter was in Los Angeles last spring for the semester, and then in New York for the summer and now, back in Boston for her senior year! I got everyone off where they’re supposed to be and even managed to avoid a big, nasty hurricane in the process. All and all, not too bad an effort for the last few months.

Which leads me to my current position as an empty nester (cue the tears). First of all, I’m not a fan of the term empty nest.  I have a strong dislike for birds (the movie The Birds freaked me out as a child) and don’t love the connotation that my house is a “nest” (I envision nests as smelly and dirty; hardly the warm and inviting spaces of the saying). Regardless, everyone inevitably wants to know what it’s like being an empty nester and they ask, time and time again… “how are you”? How am I? Well, if you must know, I am mostly curious if anyone asks my husband the same thing (I am doubting that but will leave it as a topic for another day). But, for those of you who are actually wondering, I am pretty good (a little bored maybe, but that is predominately my own fault). When Hannah left for college in 2016, the dynamic in our house changed dramatically; she was noticeably absent (and the volume went down substantially). But, in time, we adjusted and having three at home became the new normal. My husband travels frequently for business, so Sam and I spent a lot of time together, in between school and his busy social calendar. Now, he is gone as well and it is just my husband and I and the dog (I’ve been begging for a second puppy, to no avail). And, if I’m being perfectly honest, while it’s a very weird adjustment it is not an altogether unpleasant one. Dinners have been much easier to cook (Sam is a picky eater), the house is very clean (no one messes up the pillows on my couch except me), I get to watch anything I want on the main TV (granted its always The Office, Friends or Parks & Rec but who cares) and there is hardly any laundry (Sam liked to change 12 times a day). But most importantly, both kids are happy! Thus, while I miss them terribly, I subscribe to the theory that you are only as happy as your most unhappy child. If both my kids are happy, I am one happy mama.

One of my Canadian peeps once commented that it was strange to her how Americans raise their children to leave. I had never really thought about it before, but I do suppose it is true. And while she just said it simply in passing, I have actually chosen to take it as a compliment. I am so proud of both my kids. They are strong and independent and facing new challenges on their own every day. And, in reality, not every day is happy and easy (FaceTime might actually be the death of me). But it is all ok, as they are each learning to figure things out themselves, even if tears and self-doubt are sometimes involved. And, while fraternity rush nearly wrecked my soul, these ups and downs are part of growing up and, in my case, part of letting go (much easier said than done).

So, the question becomes, what am I going to do with the rest of my life? I can only play cards so many days and hang with the dog so many times (nothing personal, Riley). I am open to any reasonable suggestions you may have out there (don’t forget that I injure very easily). Until I figure it out, I am going to enjoy my quiet time and the new television season. And who knows, maybe a new puppy will just magically show up at my house one day (anyone who knows Frank, knows this is never going to happen)!  A girl can dream, can’t she? On that note, send me your thoughts on the blog and some suggestions for topics (don’t worry, I have some political ideas up my sleeve). Until then…. Happy Nesting!