Do empty nesters close the bedroom door?

I haven’t been alone for twenty-one years.

In that time, I’ve had a child with me.

That will change in a few days.

Both kids will go to college.

Far away.

I’m excited for them, and for us.

But waiting for that separation is difficult.

A painful squeeze wraps around my waist like a too-tight invisible belt.

The tension amplifies every time I see a reminder of what’s about to happen.

And there are a lot of reminders around the house.

The waiting is killing me.

I’m the type who prefers to rip a bandaid off, fast.

I want to feel the quick blade of pain and be done with it.

As I wait, I wonder. How will the house feel when they’re gone?

At night, will my husband and I close the bedroom door when no one is around?

What will life be like without these two wonderful creatures in the house, every day?

I don’t know.

Life will be different.

The change will be good.

I’m ready to walk on a new path.

And so are my daughters.

So here’s to new journeys!

Let’s take the unfamiliar road that tests us,

even if we feel a too-tight belt of tension and uncertainty.

Eventually, that belt will loosen and we’ll feel comfortable again.