You nailed it on how it feels. I don’t have a daughter but I know that my relationship with my boys is different because they are different. So true that it isn’t as hard with your first born because you still have one at home. I’m into my 2nd year of empty nesting and thought this year would be easier. It isn’t. I think what is different now is that I cherish every moment I get with them when they are home and don’t sweat the small stuff like a messy bathroom lol. I also don’t think about freedom to move where ever I want to go I think about how can I be closer to them. However I am currently across the US from them and it feels hard because I can’t just drive there. I’m looking forward to where your next adventure takes you.
Ahhh Clayton. This is beautifully written. I desperately miss the everyday moments. It feels so right for him to be where he is, I am so proud and he is so happy. And that’s what you want and there a joy and comfort in that. But the house feels tilted with him gone. The rhythm is off, it feels wanting and lthere’s something missing. So I need to find my new adventure. I am curious as to where yours are going to take you! Thank you for sharing this. ❤️.
Clayton, this was such a pleasure to read. You capture the complexity of this “contradiction” so well in this piece. And my kids are all still in grade school. Thank you for writing it.
You nailed it on how it feels. I don’t have a daughter but I know that my relationship with my boys is different because they are different. So true that it isn’t as hard with your first born because you still have one at home. I’m into my 2nd year of empty nesting and thought this year would be easier. It isn’t. I think what is different now is that I cherish every moment I get with them when they are home and don’t sweat the small stuff like a messy bathroom lol. I also don’t think about freedom to move where ever I want to go I think about how can I be closer to them. However I am currently across the US from them and it feels hard because I can’t just drive there. I’m looking forward to where your next adventure takes you.
Beautifully done, Clayton - on all fronts.
Ahhh Clayton. This is beautifully written. I desperately miss the everyday moments. It feels so right for him to be where he is, I am so proud and he is so happy. And that’s what you want and there a joy and comfort in that. But the house feels tilted with him gone. The rhythm is off, it feels wanting and lthere’s something missing. So I need to find my new adventure. I am curious as to where yours are going to take you! Thank you for sharing this. ❤️.
Clayton, this was such a pleasure to read. You capture the complexity of this “contradiction” so well in this piece. And my kids are all still in grade school. Thank you for writing it.