Dating Again SOLC#13 2 of 31
Traditionally, this time period is called the "Empty Nest," but that sounds kind of sad and lonely. Sure I miss my kids; but Skype, texts, email, and proximity to 2 out of the 3, gives me peace of mind that I can see them any time I need to. They are happy, successful, and independent...everything my husband and I wanted for them. There are definitely perks..my house is cleaner, the kitchen cupboards don't stand open, and our grocery bill is considerably lower. The best part, though is that I get to date my husband all over again like we did almost 30 years ago. No baby-sitter needed.
Spontaneity is again possible. We want to go to the movies on the weekend? We go. We can even go to the movies twice on the weekend. (Confession time..last night we saw Silver Linings Playbook and this morning we saw Quartet...both great movies). Going out to dinner is relaxing and easy. (OK...it's VERY easy for me to call Keith at 5:00 from work and ask him where he wants to meet for dinner). One Saturday not too long ago, our son told us at 4:00 in the afternoon that he forgot to let us know about his concert which started at 8:00 that evening in Cincinnati (an almost 2 hour drive for us). As soon as my husband was finished photographing a newly engaged couple, we threw clothes in a bag, jumped in the car, and were on our way. We made it with 10 minutes to spare.
After almost 28 years of marriage, he still makes me smile. I look at him and think about how nice it is to be married to my best friend. We can enjoy this time because we've gone through so much together...the ups and downs found in any long relationship. This is the good part...we get to know each other all over again.
Thanks to Stacey and Ruth of Two Writing Teachers for hosting Slice of Life Challenge. You can view other slices here.
You can view my students' writing on our classroom blog What's Cooking in Room 114
Thanks honey. My sentiments exactly. I wonder if I have those sunglasses anywhere?
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I hope not.
DeleteLove reading this! What a sweet late Valentine! And in this day of ao many marriages not making it, it's always nice to read about those that are!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol! It's worth the journey. :)
ReplyDeleteHow very nice! So true that we always hear about the "empty-nest" Even though mine are still very young, that is what I fear as well. As parents, we get so comsumed in our children that we have to find ourselves again. It sounds like that is what the two of you are doing. It also sounds like you are still an amazing, high-involved parent. I love it! Congratulations! Enjoy a new life!
ReplyDeleteI remember when our children were young and it seems like everything we did revolved around them. We were very busy, but they were fun times and sometimes I miss having little ones around. I don't think we would enjoy this time in our lives as much if we hadn't gone through raising our kids together. We appreciate this time even more.
DeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteI loved this. We're almost there and looking forward to it.
Cathy
Cathy, maybe we can double date. :)
DeleteHow sweet it is to be dating, I agree, 100%. I love this line: They are happy, successful, and independent...everything my husband and I wanted for them...that is how I feel too! But yes...I don't love the connotation of 'empty nest'. I don't like the word 'empty' at all. We could think of a new term together...let's brainstorm. xo
ReplyDeleteI'm on it...we'll coin a new term.
DeleteLove to read about your love for each other in this post. My boys are young, almost 5 and 9, yet I know some day it will once again be just my husband and me. And I actually can't wait! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's worth every minute of the wait. Enjoy this time with your boys. I know it doesn't seem possible, but the time with them is fleeting. I can't believe ours are all grown up now.
DeleteI had to laugh when I read this as my husband (of 26 years) and I saw Silver Linings recently and want to see Quartet (or as he calls it "The Marigold Hotel meets Downton Abbey"!).
ReplyDeleteVery sweet post!
Your husband has it right! It's a great movie and we loved Marigold Hotel when we saw it. We just found Downton Abbey and watched all 3 seasons in a week when my husband was sick with the flu.
DeleteHow nice it is to be able to do things on a moment's notice... Before we had children, we were too poor, even though we had time. Now our "babies" are our dogs; but they don't need a sitter just for us to go to dinner or a movie!
ReplyDeleteChris, I almost had put in my post that now we could afford to go on dates. We were poor as dirt when we were first married too. :)
DeleteWhat an uplifting blog. We have seen Silver Linings, but intend to see Quartet...now I want to see it NOW! :-) Your writing style is easy to read with a wonderful flow.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jackie! You must see Quartet...it was wonderful. Although, I have to admit, I liked it better than my husband did. :)
DeleteI love the idea of "dating again"! I'm glad you are enjoying this time instead of being sad. A delightful slice!
ReplyDeleteThis is the sweetest piece of writing. I sometimes wonder what life will be like when the girls are gone and you made it sound beautiful. I'm so happy for you.
ReplyDeleteJulie, I love this post! 2013 will be year 26 for us and I can truly identify. As we go through all the stages--couple time, family/kids time, helping the young adults time... and then....... instead of empty nest, what about reclaimed nest?
ReplyDelete