"The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility
and the wings of independence."
-Denis Waitly

I am pleased to welcome you to the forum for "empty nesters." I am so happy you
have found us. This is a community where we can all support one another on what
can be a marvelous journey, if that is what we choose. This is a place to gather
during the time that the nest appears empty, and you are waiting for your
chickadees to come home for a visit, bring their friends, boyfriends,
girlfriends, spouses and the best of all, grandchildren!

We can acknowledge that this is a very difficult passage and let ourselves feel
the grief. This will be the catalyst to allow us to move forward. (And we
thought it was painful giving birth!)

As with the birthing process, which we spent roughly 9 months preparing for, we
are never prepared to watch our children fly the coop. It is for some a grief
issue; for others, a fear that they will not be able to reconnect with their
spouses.

It is a gift we give ourselves to allow these feelings to emerge, and then move
on. Or, as one of my favorite coaches said, "Grow on." Let's all hang out here
and support one another, in a safe, nonjudgmental, environment. We can throw out
ideas to support one another during this free time. The choices are endless:
Create new hobbies, new friends, new work, and education. Allow ourselves to
enjoy pastimes that we did not have the luxury to do while raising our
wonderful, magnificent, children, etc. etc.

Please adhere to our guidelines, of acknowledging others in a positive nature
only, refraining from any foul language.

I invite you to create your post with something you are grateful for, or a quote
that resonates with you. Please share your dreams with us.

Again, I welcome you, and look forward to supporting you.

With warm regards,
The "Empty Nester" Coach
Evelyn