When can a mother quit missing her children once they leave the nest?
My older daughter left home two years ago to Arizona for her PhD. I didn’t think it was a big deal because she was one state and an hour flight away. I still missed her every lunch and dinner and everywhere I went. I missed talking to her and going shopping with her. I missed seeing her and hugging her whenever I wanted. I missed our chitchats, I missed my best friend!
Every time she came back and left, it was the same feeling: waiting for her to come back in a few months and making a long list of what I would do and what I would cook for her, etc.
Last year, she decided to switch her school and go back home,to Canada, but to Toronto this time. We encouraged her to follow her passion and agreed to help her in anyway we could.
Now, is that time! It arrived and we are here and helping her settle down.
Not a big deal, I thought, last week. It was going to be the same thing and we have done it before!
But it is not the same!
I am missing her even now that we are still together. Is it because she will be farther and a five hour flight away?
Or maybe because my younger one at home is getting ready to leave next year!
Is it really happening? I will have an empty nest too soon? Where did all these years go so quickly! Wait, I am yet not done! I am not ready for her to leave yet!
I can’t believe I will have to call them when I want to hear their voice! I can’t believe I will have to wait months to see them, to hug them, to eat at the same table with them, to cook for them and watch them eat...
I remember when they were tiny, I couldn’t wait for them to get bigger. Now, I guess I want to go back and SAVOR those years again and again.
Why can’t a mother ever let go of this one need? Why can’t we at least get used to it?
I told them attachment is the source of all miseries. I told them not to be attached to anything or anyone. I thought I had believed the statement myself but I guess I thought I had!
Enjoy your children. Every day is a gift even those super busy and exhausting ones when you can’t wait for them to fall sleep so you can pick up your book or watch your favorite tv show.
Even enjoy them when they are acting weird or angry.
SAVOR your time with them!