There are moments in life that we look forward to and others that we dread. And then there are the moments when somehow we feel both excited and miserable at the same time—the bittersweet moments.
In the past few weeks there have been many moms posting first day of school photos. (Like this one of my adorable nieces.)
I suspect most of them had bittersweet emotions about sending their children off. Although I didn’t post any photos, (my sons would kill me if I did) I’m facing the same kind of hooray-for-peace-and-quiet-but I-miss-them-already feelings.
Only perhaps mine are a little stronger, because unlike those smiling first graders on Facebook, my boys won’t be home again for a month or more. They packed up their stuff, got in their cars, waved one last goodbye, and headed off.
Our nest is empty again.
Son #2 was home all summer and son #1 was home for a month. It’s been good to have them around. As I’ve mentioned in several recent posts, we’ve squeezed a lot into the past few weeks. It’s been a bit hectic.
Now they are both gone and life can slow down again.
This is as it should be. I am glad they are independent.
I am excited about their opportunities and proud of their accomplishments.
I am looking forward to some distraction-free writing days. And yet…
The house feels empty. Too quiet. No one to plop down beside me and start a conversation. No one to give me a hard time or an unexpected hug.
I am in a bittersweet funk. I know it will pass in a day or two, but right now my heart is sorta sad. Not the sharp pang of anguish or disappointment, but the dull ache of melancholy.
How do you handle the bittersweet moments of life? Drown them with wine or ice cream? Escape into a book or movie? Drop in on a friend you know will cheer you up? Call your mother or your sister?
I think I’m going to spend an hour or two reading a happy book, petting the cat, and enjoying a nice piece of bittersweet chocolate. Or maybe two pieces. Who’s there to notice?
Lisa Anderson says
EXACTLY there this morning. Got the last one off to school yesterday. While I still have 2 high schoolers, I’m going to relish my ’empty nest’ until 3:30. 🙂
Lisa says
A few hours of quiet can do wonders. But too many hours of quiet can get lonely. Enjoy your partially empty nest. 🙂
Theresa says
Appreciate your openness of your real feeling……and challenging others to look at theirs !
Wishing you
Lisa says
I naturally tend to downplay my emotions, and since my youngest is a senior in college this should be old hat, but that lump in my stomach is real…
Mandy says
Sending my oldest off to preschool this year, so my emotional confusion associated with children growing up and gaining their independence is just beginning. Thanks for a glimpse into the future.
Lisa says
Encouraging our kids flex their wings is a mother’s job. I am proud they have the confidence to leave the nest. I can make me soar, but at the same time letting go is hard. Sometimes (often) I need to remind myself that they are in God’s hands.
Alison says
Your plan sounds good to me! I do best relaxing for a little while, and then finding a project to dive into. 🙂
Lisa says
And you know the project I need to dive into full force.
Rick says
I know your sons. I’m sad to see them go too. They are quality men. And have all the chocolate you want:)
Lisa says
Why, thank you. And teachers heading back to school can struggle with the bittersweet funk too, can’t they?