The Nest is Almost Empty
As my children got older, one day I knew I would officially be considered an empty-nester. I’ll admit, I had short periods when my daughter was at college or on one of her internship adventures that sorta felt like it, but I always knew she would be coming home sooner or later, and I enjoyed the freedom.
With my son’s recent house purchase, it’s just been my daughter and I. He was always my head snow-shoveler and lawn/house handyman. Once he was gone my daughter and I would have to tag-team, but it was a nice surprise when she took over the position. For the most part, we worked together well.
About four to six weeks ago she started applying for jobs out of state; she was looking for a permanent position, since her current job was contracted. The companies were spread from the west coast and the east coast. There were however, exactly two positions that were relatively close to home. As luck would have it, the one closest to home was interested in her, and invited her to Milwaukee, WI. to interview for the job.
She came home optimistic about her experience, and seemed to like the team. She would hear within a few days once the interview process was complete. As you may have guessed she was offered the job, which included her required salary and excellent benefits. In another twist of fate her current company offered her a permanent position. Two job offers in two days! You go girl!
In the meantime, prior to accepting either position, decided she needed to see apartments that were available if she took the Milwaukee position. We headed up and had plans to see four different buildings. We found one we sort of liked but had to wait a few hours to see one last apartment, and just by happenstance, the complex directly across the street was having an open house. It looked like it would be out of her price range, but decided to inquire.
It happened to be the perfect place for her, and we both instantly fell in love with it. It was once an old hotel that had wide hallways, crown molding, built-in wood and glass cabinets, lots of closet space, about double the size of the apartment across the street, and hardwood floors. Holy cow….what a find! The rent was higher, but not enough to deter her.
As we made our way back home, I started feeling a little overwhelmed when I realized it was actually happening….just like that….POOF. Within a few short weeks, I’ll be going from having her and Tillie (her kitty) home, to just me. I’m very excited for her, but a little sad for me. We spend our lives as parents preparing for this moment and when it comes, we hesitate for a brief moment, and want to take it back…..HA! The nest is almost empty, I’m looking forward to my next chapter.
xoxox…..Sheryl