Empty Nest Day 1
Moving Day
I realize you are starting your sophomore year of university studies, but you have lived at home until now. Not much has changed for you, or me. But today is moving day, your moving day, and so far away…
Today I will have an empty nest.
My draft of this letter has not gone well for me. I’ve penned my thoughts, fears, and hopes for you several times on tear soaked papers and soggy keyboards and I’ve tossed them with the wet tissues. I have a heart full of things I want to say to you, but this busy week has not allowed it and even if time had permitted it, the lump in my throat wouldn’t.
So here we are, Sept 4, 2014, the day my empty nest officially becomes a reality, and I need to tell you a few things before we begin our long drive to your new adventure.
Important things to remember
- I love you, on good days, and bad days, unconditionally, always. I am still here and will always be. If you are sad, or scared, or if you stumble and fall, or if you are happy, or just want to talk I am only a phone call away. And you can be sure, I’ll be waiting to hear from you.
- College is hard, go to class, study hard, ask questions. There will be obstacles, you can overcome them. There will be others that seem smarter, cuter, catch on faster…don’t be intimidated. You can do this. You are smart, cute and a fast learner.
- People are flawed, don’t trust everyone you meet. Say NO when you need to, make good choices. Surround yourself with good people.
- Eat healthy as much as possible. Raman noodles are poison, try to limit them. Granna has awesome food, eat with her when you can.
- Get your beauty sleep, your new friends won’t enjoy your grumpiness if you don’t.
- Stay in touch with the people you love, the world is big and scary, don’t do everything alone. There is strength in numbers.
- For what it’s worth: it’s never too late to be whoever you want to be. I hope you live a life you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength and courage to start all over.
- You know how much we love you? Well, God loves you more, talk to Him often, you can tell him anything, and He can fix things that I can’t. Keep Jesus’ name on tip of your tongue, demons will flee at the mention of His name.
- Your dad and I are so proud of you. You may be ready for this adventure, even if we are not. We have watched you grow into a beautiful young woman and we are trusting you to make good choices. Have fun, but not so much the sheriff calls us.
Instructions for your sister
Upon closing this lengthy letter, I am listing some instructions that will assist your sister in helping you in the case of an emergency. Please share this with her.
- When thunder rattles Sandy’s apartment, she will need to hide under your covers till the storm passes, as my covers will be 700 miles away. I can’t stand the thought of her alone in a storm, knowing she is afraid.
- Cookie dough heals a multitude of broken hearts, she likes it raw.
- She really likes skillet grilled chicken breast and beef consommé rice. It’s her favorite dinner meal.
- And please play Phase 10 with her often, so she doesn’t forget how.
- And if you can work it out, she is used to eating Chinese on Wednesdays.
Thank you for being there for her, I know you will take good care of her, you are a great sister.
I love you both so much, and if you have a minute, say a little prayer for your Momma, she is not sure what to do with an empty nest.
29 Comments
Leave your reply.