Almost empty nesters

**jdubbya** · 10-12-2009,04:18 PM

What a frenzied week this is going to be. My oldest is moving to the Cleveland area for a job. He leaves Wednesday. All of his stuff is packed and stacked, and it's really strange seeing one of them move out for good, although a good feeling knowing they've made their way and are venturing out on their own. My middle son leaves on Sunday for Marine boot camp in Parris Island. We won't see him until the end of January. That leaves our youngest who is just thrilled to be having the big bedroom all to himself. We've always had at least two of them home with the third coming and going, but it's going to be weird having them both gone. Glad Halloween is coming up as it will be a nice diversion from the empty house.

**hannibal** · 10-12-2009,10:13 PM

I can't relate yet, my daughter is only 12. She's our only and I know I'll be crushed when she leaves but relieved at the same time. Her goal is to go to the Governor's School of Excellence for art. It's like 6 hours away, she'd still be in the same state but the thought of the distance is killing me now and she's only 12...lol.

You'll be ok..Halloween is a good diversion and then you have the holidays right after that. Maybe go back to school yourself or volunteer. Never too old to do anything. I'm thinking that may be my plan down the road.

**jdubbya** · 10-12-2009,10:24 PM

I'm not worried about being bored or anything. Work and other activities keep me busy and I spend a lot of time with the youngest (scouts, fishing, etc). It will just be quiet since the oldest two were very outgoing, always had friends over, phone ringing all the time, etc.. The upside is that I foresee our electric bills going down by about 30% and our grocery bill dropping way off since these two could eat! It will be an adjustment but I'm sure oldest will make his way home once or twice a month since he's only a couple hours away.

**MsMeeple** · 10-13-2009,12:08 AM

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!! And start the countdown till when the 3rd one moves out

Are you worried about the one who's going into the military? I can't imagine having a child in the military with the possibility of them having to go to Iraq or Afghanistan!

MsM

**jdubbya** · 10-13-2009,12:57 AM

Originally Posted by MsMeeple

Are you worried about the one who's going into the military? I can't imagine having a child in the military with the possibility of them having to go to Iraq or Afghanistan!

MsM

Absolutely. It brings on a lot of anxiety, but it's something he has wanted to do for a few years and we are very proud of him. His job training after boot camp will be for Presidential Security so if he does well, he will likely be stationed in DC for 3-4 years, although he has to do one year of infantry. We hope, as do all parents of young people in the service, that he comes through unscathed but we are aware of the risks.
The oldest is in the Navy Reserve and could be called up at any time as well. A few guys from his unit have already been deployed.

Guest · 10-13-2009,04:24 AM

I'm glad your son is going through boot camp now, instead of during the middle of summer. It gets hot in Parris Island.
Good luck to you in adjusting.

I am not looking forward to the day when I have to go through it.

**MsMeeple** · 10-13-2009,12:15 PM

Well I hope both stay safe and that their children can live in a world where wars and missions are a thing you only read about in history books.

MsM

**frylock** · 10-13-2009,04:37 PM

This is my first Halloween as an empty-nester.
I say "my" first Halloween as an empty nester because my wife has no use for Halloween

.

When this pic of my kids was taken in 1993 I was a soldier on Fort Sill.

Now, my little scarecrow is presently going through army basic training

.

On the positive side though my little vampire has recently returned home safely from a year long tour of Iraq

.

....but he's a little too busy for Halloween so I'm posting at this forum more than I ever have to at least have some contact with folks who love the holiday as much as I do