Reviewing and gathering this morning for upcoming book projects and Bible Studies. Little did I know that the words penned on April 26, 2008 would resonate with such intensity today, July 24, 2013…five years later. I need these words, again, as I face an “emptier” nest. Brooke has married the man of her dreams, and therefore has truly left the nest (even though I still have boxes in storage with her name on them), Candace Rose is a bona fide, professional travel writer who keeps us guessing month-to-month as to her whereabouts (smile), and Grant has finished his college career and is embarking on his new real estate agent adventure. So, even though one 6’5″ bird still somewhat resides in our upstairs nest, the nest has once again changed. Can anyone relate? In honor of my “emptier” nest, I am reposting this today. I need some encouragement. So much has changed in five years. PLEASE let me know how you handled your “emptier” nest!
100 New Feathers for My Empty Nest
Jul 24, 2013 | Other | 8 comments
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- Empty, Empty Nest - […] was kind. I began finding new feathers for my nest. And, if I am completely honest (which I always…
Janell, Roger and I are taking dance lessons. We started on just Tuesdays and now we are going Tuesday and Thursday!
We are saying, “YES” to invites more often. In a world of NO, it has been so life-giving.
Julie, I just love this..such a simple change, but powerful. What is the best “yes” you’ve said yet?
Call me, we’ll talk! Hah!
In my case… a ‘Suddenly’ came about, that made it easier. These new circumstances filled my time with an adventure that I knew our Father was ordaining. The lessen I had to learn was to let go and trust in Our Father’s love for them. I was called to trust that whatever took place, He had a plan for them which was unfolding for the good even if at times it did not look like such on the surface. Now,14 years later I can look back in hindsight and rejoice at the fruit in their lives and the richness of the love and understanding we share.
How has your life unfolded since? Do you find having the nest not quite as full, makes it easier on your family for you to be there for your own mother?
Bren, your words are gold. Thank you for being so honest. Yes, it is a bit easier, in some ways, to be there for my mother, but I am definitely “sandwiched” between the two generations. What I have found most challenging is that as I am dealing with my mother, they are facing the great change in their grandmother’s life, hence, their relationship with their grandmother. So, for example, the day we almost lost my mother, they almost lost their grandmother. I found myself putting my personal emotional trauma aside in order to be strong for them and for my mother. A tough emotional roller coaster for us all. The greatest gift has been in seeing them step up to the plate and be there for her, too. They helped with the move from her apartment to the Assisted Living home, etc. It has been a team effort, for sure.
I understand, a friend of mine recently lost her Hubby to Cancer. they had been married close to 40 years. They had 7 children and many grandchildren, (all married) and he had a large family. Being adopted she has no relatives alive on her side. It has been hard on her to grieve as a wife and to carry the hearts of her children and his family all the while. In the doing she has withdrawn and only allows a few to hear her heart and help to lift her up in her own times of need.
What comes to mind is the Image of Moses when He had to have Aaron and Hur hold his hands up while he went through a Spiritual Battle for his people, in Exodus 17. Those who were defeated were those who dwelt in the Valley (meaning of name Amalek), by Joshua, (a foreshadow of Jesus).
It seems to be that the Spirit of the Lord was with you and indeed strengthened you, so you and yours would not dwell in the Valley, metaphorically speaking, longer than necessary.
Sounds like that crisis has passed, how is she doing in the nursing home? Is that permanent or for a season.
Bren,
It seems I never answered you…..oh so sorry.
My mom is doing great. She has adjusted to the Assisted Living home very well. I count my blessings that she never resisted the idea, as many of the women she is living with have. She knew it was best. She never complains–only that she wishes she had a good friend she had something in common with. She misses talking with her old friends at her Senior apartments. I pray every day for a friend for her….we all need that, don’t we?
And, this move is permanent. There is no way she can live on her own. She loves “being pampered,” i.e., having her meals all prepared, medicine taken care of…etc. She can’t drive, either, due to a brain seizure she had in Sept. 2013…friends from church pick her up every Saturday for church and dinner afterwards so that gives her that community she so desperately loves.
So, all in all, I am filled with gratitude for God’s grace and care for my mom.
Thank you for asking. So sorry I fell off the planet and didn’t see this.
Blessings!!!!