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.

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LovetheOcean 09/15/2019

I have been a mom since my senior year of high school. I have two incredible & amazing daughters with a 9 year age difference. My daughters are my life, & they are what have motivated me to wake up each day & do my very best. Yesterday I took my youngest daughter off to college approximately 5 hours away, & I’m an emotional mess. I’ve been crying in secret for months anticipating the day she leaves. I feel like my main purpose in life has been to be their mom, stay strong & take the very best care of my girls. I had a very difficult time when my oldest daughter moved out, however, I still had her little sister that needed me to stay strong & still care for her. Now they’re both grown & gone, and I don’t know what to do with myself now. I feel so lost and sad. This is so incredibly hard, & I have never felt so alone.

eli_mom 09/16/2019

Hello,
I had the same experience when we dropped off my only child to his dorm last month. I was deeply saddened that I could not even describe how sad I was. I easily cried. I was surrounded with people but I still felt alone. One night, me and my husband were having our dinner and all of a sudden my tears flow. My husband saw me crying, he hugged me and he didn’t say anything and I appreciate that. My church prayed for me and I thank God that I’m not that sad anymore.

I’m here for you. Just cry whenever you miss them. God loves our kids more than we love them. I pray that we will both continue to trust Him, they are safe in Jesus’ hands and no weapon formed against them shall prosper. I pray also for peace and comfort as you keep going each day. Keep us posted. God bless.

LovetheOcean 09/16/2019

Thank you so much for the message. It’s extremely comforting to have someone who understands the loss I am feeling. I had a coworker ask me today how it went taking her to school & I could hardly get my words out without breaking down and crying. She then proceeded to tell me how she didn’t cry because she was so excited for the opportunity for her child when they had taken her to school.. She also has a husband & other children still at home. It’s just me now, and this a whole new way of life for me. I’m so glad I found this group.

escudc 09/17/2019

I hope you find peace of mind through use of social media and visits to keep in touch with your children. Also, I make plans to go out that takes me away from the quietness in my house. This group has helped too - it's comforting to know we're not alone in how we feel missing our children. I wish you the best and hope your relationship with your children grows stronger as they evolve into adulthood but know you're their when they need you.

Minicoops 09/30/2019

Not only I feel for you but I am also in the same boat. Drove 6 hrs to drop my daughter off and been feeling like there is a death in the family. I dont have answers as how to cope but maybe in a few weeks as I am researching it myself. You're not alone.... This shall pass!

getfuzzy 10/08/2019

LovetheOcean, I feel for the pain you are feeling right now. Take joy in knowing you raised two wonderful daughters and, as other mentioned, via social media and visits you can still feel connected...although it certainly isn't the same as them being under your roof.

I know it may be too soon, but since you seem to have a great "mothering" nature about yourself, have you contacted your local big sisters chapter? There are so many children who are growing up in unloving environments these days that maybe your can change a young person's live by sharing your love and provide them with some guidance.

ProudMomdesolate 10/31/2019

I know exactly how you feel. I raised 3 great kids, 2 girls and 1 boy. My baby recently joined the Military and now I am alone with all the wonderful memories of them as kids, the joy we had, the pictures on these lonely walls that were once filled with my children and their friends everyday, I find myself in tears missing all of them so much.

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