This past week has felt 21-days long! Last Sunday, our son moved out of the house embarking on a road trip across country. He left the nest not for college or his internship, but for his independence. The pandemic had delayed his original plans, but they are delayed no more. So, my hubby and I officially hold the title of empty nesters. Excitement swirls in this new chapter for all of us, but while he blazed through state lines heading east, I worried. My hubby worried. We busied ourselves doing things around the house, and of course, going to work, trying to focus on the job. Some of you may recall that I briefly wrote about this in my post from April 17th. Now it’s as real as ever.
While we are proud of him, we miss his presence – the conversations, the laughter, the hugs. We know Copper, our dog, misses his “brother” too, that his canine perception senses the change. The quiet in the house is also LOUD. So, this past week has been an adjustment.
But now that he has reached his finish line and holds the keys to his new apartment in his hands, WE ARE HAPPY! We wish that his chosen path could have been on the west side of the USA. But, he now lives closer to his sister who also lives on that side of the country, which makes us HAPPY! We are eager to make new memories in his home just as we’ve done with our daughter and son-in-law.
I have shed many tears during this exciting, bittersweet week. They fell out of joy for our son and the new adventures awaiting on the horizon. They gushed out of worry as he accelerated on those highways; I thought of other reckless drivers out there. And I have never felt such an affinity for my cell phone before as I anticipated his text messages to ping each evening, letting us know he is safe. It was in those moments when tears flowed out of relief. And if you’re wondering, my hubby shed a few, too.
So, this post is all about FINDING YOUR HAPPY!
Wherever it may be, it’s out there, loud and clear!!!!
Welcome it!
Embrace it!
And don’t let it go!
“Reasons for feeling Happy float around us every day, but it’s up to us to capture them and relish in the joy.”
Lauren Scott 🥰❤️
(When I think of happiness, flowers also come to mind. The California Poppies are gorgeous and abundant around here, but I don’t have a good photo to share. So, of course, I visited Google, where I also found the Happy Face. The Daisies are from our garden.) 😍
Baydreamer ~ Lauren Scott 
You did it and describe it so well! Onward!
Thanks, Sharon! And yes, onward! Hugs!
What a bittersweet time for you and your husband. I remember being your son’s age. I loved my parents but I needed to embrace my independence too. Enjoy rearranging your empty nest to better fit this new chapter of your lives.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Janis. I felt the same way regarding my parents. I even wrote a longer version of this post, beginning it with me moving out of my parent’s house. 🙂 It has been fun rearranging this empty nest, and this is the first day without tears. Sheesh! 😘
Welcome to the empty nesters’ gang Lauren. It is very hard in the beginning but life is like that and we get used to it sooner or later. I could relate to the emotions expressed here. Sending you big hug.
Thanks for the reassurance that we will survive this phase, Balroop. 🙂 I wrote about this in a longer version with more detail. So, I agree with you. In time, we’ll get used to it, and we’ll enjoy the benefits. It’s been fun rearranging this empty nest that my son began helping us with. As we always say, “It’s all good!” Thanks again and I appreciate the hug. Today is the first day tears didn’t flow. 🙂 💞
Aww.. Such a heartwarming post, Lauren! I know you will miss your son being near to you, but I suppose life changes … times change… kids grow up. My little one is growing up so fast, and at times it feels like he’s already so independent! But glad you are happy too, at least he is close to his sister! It’s the little things that count always, isn’t it! …stay blessed my dear😊🌹❤️🤗🌻
Thanks for your comforting words, Diana. Yes, our kids grow up and faster than we realize. So, enjoy yours each day, relish in each new development. We’ve made subtle changes in the house, which has been fun. And our kids want us to be happy and enjoy this new chapter, also. That’s great, too, when our kids support us in that way. Stay blessed, too, dear friend. 💖💖💖
You have a marvelous way of sharing profound moments that resonate. Loved this post.
What a lovely thing to “say” Rebecca. I love hearing how others have found their way through this shift in parenting. Thanks so much! 💕
I’m so glad he made it. All the best in your empty nest. 😁
Thanks, John, and love the rhyme! 😘
Hahaha. I was going to apologize for that but let it fly anyway. Glad you liked it.
I’m glad you let it fly! It brought a smile! 😎
😊
It’s definitely bittersweet, Lauren, but there are so many positive things that go with leaving the nest. Our youngest goes off to college in the fall. So not exactly leaving the nest full-time, because there are always a lot of breaks. But that’s where we are headed too. It takes nerves of steel not to worry, doesn’t it?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Barbara. Since no tears found their freedom today, maybe my heart and mind are calmer. As long as he’s safe, that’s what matters. I understand what you’re going through with your youngest leaving for college, though. I remember it vividly for both our son and daughter. All various shifts in parenting, tugging at our hearts. Sheesh! And yes, it takes nerves of steel not to worry. Overall, I think I did pretty well, but there were a few moments…. 💖
Distractions are important! 🙂
Yes it is a bitter sweet moment when your child embarks on the journey of life alone. Bitter in that you know they are no longer children and have to make their way in today’s uncertain world. However sweet memories never leave the house and we can relive them each day.
You offer wise words, Ian. Thank you. Last week was tough, but he’s settling in and we are glad he’s safe in his new place, even though it’s far away. Let those sweet memories continue to keep us company. Nowadays, technology is nice, too…Zooming, Face-timing, texting, all these in addition to talking on the phone. 🙂
Oh, bittersweet moments indeed, my dear Lauren but I couldn’t agree with you more. We have to find happy, and happy is everywhere around us, if we have our eyes and hearts open! 😉 xoxoxoxoxo
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Marina, and I knew you’d feel the same way about finding our Happy.
Have a wonderful day, my friend. 💙🌸💙🌸💙🌸💙🌸💙🌸
Like minds huh?!
Happy days ahead, my dearest Lauren.
⚘🎶💜🎶⚘
Yep! 🤗🤗🤗🤗💜💜💜💜💜
😉😘😘😘🤗🤗🤗🧡🧡💜💜
A difficult phase in parenting, to be sure. It’s hard to let go.
It sure is, but it’s all good and he’s getting settled. 🙂
I’m glad he made it safely, Lauren. And glad that you are Happy! When the chicks leave the nest, it’s always bittersweet, but it’s an important step, and healthy, independent young people are a gift to the world. Well done!
Thanks, Diana, I agree with all you wrote. It’s what we as parents hope for, even though those teary moments work their way into the joy. Have a good start to your week! 🥰
Transitions are tough. I understand the joy but also sadness. Lauren, thanks for sharing your journey with us and reminding us to look for the happiness in life.
Many Blessings to you and your family
Lisa xoxo
Thanks for your comforting words, Lisa. My emotions have calmed a bit since last week. 🙂 Blessings to you and yours, as well. ❤️
Take care, Lauren and thank you! xoxo
I remember that post from April, Lauren. Bittersweet, I can imagine. At least in this day and age, we have technology that can connect us instantly. 🙂
Thanks for remembering, Mark. 🙂 And yes, technology is handy with its “instant” element. All is good now as we move forward, embracing these new chapters. Take care!
Yeah! Lauren, your son arrived safely … definitely a reason to be happy and it is a matter for a parent to have a big heart to be happy for the adventures of our children even if they take them so far away. Yet, I can relate to the silence, the tears of joy and missing. Thank you for the reminder of finding our own happy… you are doing so well with yours! Also, I LOVE your Californian poppies, they are divine! And already blooming! A sparkle of colour this grey May morning! I’m even happier now! 😀❤️
Hi Annika, the energy and enthusiasm from your comment pops right through the screen! Thank you, dear friend! He’s getting settled and having fun shopping for furniture. We’ve talked, texted, and Zoomed, so a big thanks to technology so that we feel connected even though thousands of miles away. Sending hugs and Cheers to these new, exciting life chapters! ❤️🌻🌺🌸🌞
Oh I know your feeling of happy so well. We must be happy that our children are secure enough and smart enough to fly out of the nest. And we must find happy in the emptiness even though we miss them so much. Took me about a year to get over the empty nest syndrome. After that, I must say we both are very happy. 🥰😍
I’m glad you understand, Pam. We’re doing okay and have talked to him a lot, along with texting and emailing. And tonight, we’re Zooming with him and our daughter and son-in-law. So, we can’t wait! I wish we could see them more often, but as long as they’re happy, healthy, and safe, we’re content. The good thing is that my hubby and I already did things together and have a great relationship. So, that will just continue as we find a new rhythm without any kids living with us. I’m glad to hear you and your hubby are happy, too. Thanks for popping in! 🥰❤️