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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Start (01/16/06)
JANUARY 17, 2006



GETTING TO KNOW ME


The empty nest syndrome can be devastating to some parents. Espescially when your last child gets married or goes to school in another state. My youngest son, Joshua, went 3500 miles from Florida to the state of Washington. I actually lay in a fetal postion on the couch for days. I'd leave on the light in his bedroom at night with the door closed. I would peak at the bottom of the door and see the light and pretend he was still in there. Oh, I was a total mess.

He had no idea how it affected me nor would I ever let him know. He was going to college and didn't need to worry about a depressed mother. Whenever I'd go shopping for food I would actually cry when passing by certain items that I'd no longer have to buy, like maccarroni and cheese, frozen waffles...things I bought just for him. It was painful just to go shopping. My heart was broken and I had to get it fixed.

I had to get a life. One of the things I dreaded was facing myself. Knowing now I'd have to get to know me and care about what I wanted. I wanted my son to see an independent, healthy, happy mom. I started writing and painting again. Little by little I found things that would make me feel better. I visited art shops and talked with other artists. I invited my sister down for a visit and she taught me how to make greeting cards. Suddenly it was fun being alone once in a while. I could create pictures or stories and listen to music. I actually start liking myself. Hey, I was going to be okay. I visited my son now and then and he is doing just fine. But going back home is comforting now. I'm happy.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Marilyn Schnepp 
01/25/06
STARTING to get to know yourself is a pleasure sometimes. You painted a new picture for me, as I always got the feeling my folks were relieved when their nest was finally empty, and the last child had flown the coop. But I see it isn't like it seems...at least in YOUR case. Great job of writing, and thanks for sharing!
Jan Ackerson
01/26/06
Thank you for helping us get to know you better! Watch the spellings of "peek" and "macaroni." I was glad to read your last paragraph, and to see that you're finding a new start.
Val Clark
01/26/06
Yes, we don't realize until they leave just how all consuming our children are. We really have to go out and 'get a life'when they leave. Thanks for sharing your experience of this. Yeggy