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.
I'm just coming off one of the worse couple of days in my life. My daughter and my grandson left for Idaho on Saturday, and I live in Pittsburgh PA. Her husband kicked her and the baby out when the baby was @a week old. What a cold-hearted bastard to do that. So my daughter and her son moved in with us. But she just couldn't let her husband go, she chased after him until he gave in and took them back. But then he threw them out again. My daughter and her son moved in with us for 17 months. I've taken care of this sweet little boy from the time he was tiny. Plus my husband and my mother too. I quit my job to be a full-time babysitter. My daughter is just so obsessed by this husband of hers. He went into the Air Force and she promised him she'd go with him and she did. Shocked us and hurt us. Packed up that baby and was gone. I've cried my eyes out, have had awful panic attacks and a sickly migraine. I'm going to up my anti-depressant drugs for help. But it's this empty house that's killing me. It's too quiet after having a little boy running around. I miss him so much. Everyone tells me that it will get easier. I've read many posts here that say that. I have a long way to go before that happens. A friend told me to start the next chapter in my life. But I've got nothing. How do you guys cope so well? I get inspiration here from reading all your encouraging messages. I hope someone will have some suggestions...thanks!
the situation you are in is really difficult. but you can't make her decisions for her. unfortunately. you can only control your reaction to what she does or doesn't do. it's hard to let go and let them be adults after having to watch over them for so long. it helped me to think of those sweet little children as different people than the adults that my kids are now. I try to stop myself from giving my opinion unless it's asked for. i had to find something in my life to keep me busy and just not think about them so much. they are grown. they will figure out things. they have what it takes. just like we did when we were that age. and they do still need us. and we will still be here when they come around. as they get older and their lives get in more order, the relationship is really great. more like friends :) hugs to you :)