Reflections

/ joyroses13

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My husband and I took a relaxing, lovely drive today after dropping our teens off at work.  We are entering the beginnings of a new season of life, within 2 years we could be empty nesters and it feels strange!  We reflected on the past and wondered as so many parents do, where did the time go? Our children are letting go, becoming more independent.

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It used to be that we needed to get a sitter for we just needed a night out from our dear little children that cried “Mommy” 200 plus times a day and begged Daddy to give them just one more piggy back ride or throw them in the air again!  Now its “Oh,  the kids have plans again,  this house is too quiet!”  The road of life just keeps twisting.

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We enjoyed chatting as we drove, taking in the scenery and planning what we wanted to do for the next half of our life. We will always be parents, but it really does take on a new meaning the more independent your children get. We passed a lake where to our joy a group of ducks and swans were out swimming.

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Life may be changing, but there is still so much beauty to be found in it!

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No matter what, you just keep swimming, embracing the beauty, appreciating and loving the wonderful memories of the past and ready to keep making more in the future.

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26 thoughts on “Reflections”

  1. love the photos that flowed with your reflections Carolyn. shared memories is a wonderful thing. wishing you lots of joy with the new plans you re making, parenting college aged kids is another phase of your joy.

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  2. So many people see “empty nest” as a negative connotation, but you can see your children as young adults as they grow and experience so many of life’s challenges. You will have the freedom to do pretty much whatever you want.
    You do have to come to terms with the fact that your roles will change drastically because (in their minds) they will no longer need a Mom and a Dad per se. What they will need are mature and life experienced friends, and if you two can fill those roles, the rewards will be incredible.
    Look forward with pride and anticipation as you watch them establish their independence, and their subsequent roles in society! Be excited for them when they leave the nest … and be excited with them! 🙂

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    • Thanks for your thoughts and encouragement. You are right, its not a negative thing. I am excited to see what paths my children will take, what new adventures they will have. I love your last line, “be excited with them!” I will try to remember that 🙂 and yes that freedom of doing whatever we want can be something to look forward to. 🙂

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    • LOL! Very true! Fortunately my hubby can carry on a conversation very well. I am not saying we always have sane conversations, but…we have fun. Even if our kids sometimes look at us, like we are crazy! 🙂

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  6. Such beautiful photos! No matter how old your kids get they will always need you. I came across something the other day that said no matter how how old you are you alway need your mom…insert parents here. 😉 My mom and I have had conversations about how she still wants her mom on some days. I know my mom is the first person I want when I’ve had a rough day or if I’m sick. 😊❤️

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  7. Have you ever heard of the term ILYA? It stands for Incompletely Launched Young Adult. They may leave your nest, but you might want to keep the feathers in it. Often they return, before leaving again. And again. And again.

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