Empty Nests Support Group
Empty nest syndrome is a general feeling of depression and loneliness that parents/other guardian relatives feel when one or more of their children leave home. Empty nest syndrome has become more prevalent in modern times, as the extended family is becoming less common than in past generations, and the elderly are left living by themselves.
Yesterday there was nothing wrong with my relatonship with my son. We had talked a little, he responded to some texts that I sent to him. But when I started home from work my heart just ached. I realize that I just miss him greatly and it hurts to not have him at home. Home just doesn't feel like the same place without him. Things are better than when he moved out 15 months ago, but just occasionally I just have these deep feelings of loss, that something isn't "right". My husband does not understand. He says he misses him but honestly I think he is somewhat happy that he is gone. I think my husband hopes that things between him and me will go back to some lovey, dovey, hands-all-over each other type of relationship. I'm not really interested in that. Anyway, sometimes when I try not to cry there is almost like a groan from inside me that tries to escape. I know that they have to grow up and move on, but I just didn't realize that it would be this painful. I miss not hearing him come down the steps or walk down the hall, I miss hearing him laugh, I miss talking to him while watching TV, I miss hearing him call for me from across the house. Last night a Christmas movie came on and I just started to cry when I saw the family decorating the tree. Holidays are hard
I pray for him daily which somehow helps me. I just try to turn him over to God and pray for my heart to let him go. Time marches on.
I pray for him daily which somehow helps me. I just try to turn him over to God and pray for my heart to let him go. Time marches on.
2sis7luv
I have posted in this discussion list many times and keep coming back to see what is posted. I am WITH YOU in feeling that deep sense of loss. I try to keep busy but it often hits me hard. Yes, holidays are REALLY hard. They will never be what they were and I am still fighting to ACCEPT that my sons are grown men. I need them but they don't need me. I never ever dreamed it would be this hard to let go. My sons were my life for all those years and they have grown up, married and have their own lives. The loss for me is awful. I wish I had words for you to offer you comfort but all I can say is that you are not alone. Sigh. I feel like I lost my family. I am lucky if I see both my sons at the same time, maybe three times a year. My family as it was will never again be the same. This is the hardest thing I have ever been through. HUGS to you!
Paulinaakk1
I miss all those little things too. My hardest are bedtime and not hugging them good night and church. It is so lonely to sit in church and watch all the families come in with their children. I miss the days of snuggling with my little ones and singing or listening to the preaching. My middle son's wife does not like my church and the oldest got baptized in another church so I will not have grandchildren to bring with me either.
Sadiee
I agree with both of you. Last night I came out of the hospital after visiting my Mom and I felt so alone. It was the night of the Santa Claus Parade. I miss, so much, those days when I was with my kids doing all of the fun, family things. I am dating a man and our relationship has gotten to a stale point. We're trying to figure out if we can move to a better, more fulfilling place or if we have to part ways. I feel so sad and lonely right now, but am doing my best to not dwell. If he's NOT the man of my dreams, then I should move on...but.....it's been nice having someone to talk to on the phone and to BE with...but he and I have gotten to the point where we rarely see each other. Must get moving. I'm going to yoga class. Yoga is a lifesaver for me. It gets me out of the house and with other people.
whygod
Yes, we moms miss our kids - our sons - so much and I don't think they realize that! My kids, I believe, feel I try to make their life miserable. I said when my first son got married it was a death and people didn't get it. My intuition proved out to be correct and now w/ my second son married I thought it was going to be better. It started out that way but after a year it has turned into another loss. I was all excited about becoming a grandma until he joined this religious group that puts me on the outside. Why weren't we warned that this would happen?
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