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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katie53224 08/14/2016

I am a single mom living in Wisconsin and just got back from driving my youngest son to Arizona to attend ASU as a junior. He did 2 years of college in Wisconsin playing basketball and I got to go to games all the time, but now he's thousands of miles away. My heart is broken and I don't know how to make it through the day. He's so far away that I can't just visit any time and everything in my house reminds me that he's moved out and not coming back home. I was not prepared for this. My 23 year old daughter also just moved two weeks ago from Milwaukee to Chicago, so she is now further away, too. I also start a new job on Wednesday, so everything in my life is changing and I don't know how to deal with it all. Someone please tell me it won't hurt like this forever.

mamalovesyou 08/16/2016

You are really brave to make that trip. I pray that your new job goes well and I know your children will visit often. Be happy that you love your children so much. It will pass through the generations and make this world a better place. I feel your pain. My 23 year old is moving in July 2017 and I am already crying. I have a best friend I have loved since 4th grade and all her children stayed close and they have been so happy together. I think the modern way of everyone being so distant is not good! I hope your children come to visit you soon!

katie53224 08/16/2016

Thanks for your kind comments :) sometimes just being able to share with someone and receive a little kindness and understanding makes things not seem as bad. I'm sorry your son or daughter is moving next summer. My heart goes out to you. I'm sure you'll enjoy these next months being together, but I also know that dread of the approaching date. I agree that distance is not a good thing - at least not for moms! I hope you have a wonderful winter and I'll look for a post from you next July when hopefully I can offer some support back to you :)

edana 08/21/2016

wow America is so huge - the equivalent for me in the UK would be if my son moved twice as far away as Australia! That is mind boggling - I can't even imagine such distance really. Why did your son chose to move out there do you know? I feel awful for you - and yes I agree you have far too much grief to deal with to be starting a new job - how did it work out so far? Wish I could say something more helpful! Big hugs - I hope you can work out a way to see more of your son - have you tried skype? Best wishes xx

edana 08/21/2016

no you're right - map reading is not my strong point LOL - still waaaaay too far away (just not twice as far as uk to aus) I need a cup of tea and a good nights sleep!

katie53224 08/21/2016

Thanks for the post, edana :) My son moved to Arizona because he wanted an adventure and his dad lives there so he can get in-state tuition, which is way cheaper in America than out-of-state. And his reasons were quite mature (academic and career related), so I can't even argue with his choice. We have skyped a couple times - which was wonderful. Maybe the new job has been good because it's at least a distraction. Thanks, again, for the post. Just having someone respond makes me feel not so alone :) Hope you got your cup of tea and a good night's sleep! Have a wonderful week ahead!

edana 08/22/2016

thanks katie I'm glad it's going well for you - distractions are good! I wish there was an edit button for these posts but maybe me being such a doofus cheered someone up a bit LOL - I didn't wake up till 8am today, which is the latest I've slept in months! But yeah - twice as far as UK to Aus would be back in the UK again *giggles* and would mean that in fact the US covers the entire world *giggles* ah well I amuse myself anyway ^_^ Glad skype is working for you - much better than in the 'olden days' we have so many ways to keep in touch now! Take care xx

katie53224 08/22/2016

Glad you got to sleep in :) and don't feel bad at all about the UK to Aus...I didn't even think twice about it as I fully understood your point...Arizona is a LONG ways away from me and believe me, it feels like the distance from the UK to Aus! Still missing my son like crazy, but these posts help dull the pain a bit. Have a wonderful day and week - and thanks for taking the time to post...you brightened my weekend :)

coffeeandcozies 08/26/2016

I feel your pain. I just waved goodbye to my daughter as she heads back to college across the state. I'm so sad that summer is over. My youngest is heading out of state Monday. And I start a new job Tuesday. So I feel rather overwhelmed, to say the least. Phone calls and texting helps. Skype, too. I think the new job will be good for me. I need the distraction and the challenge of learning something new. The key is to stay busy. Start a new routine. Start a project. Read a new book. I've found that self-care is very important during these empty nest transitions. You're certainly not alone in how you're feeling.

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