Our two boys have been off at their colleges for over a month now. At first the house was just so quiet. No running up and down the stair. No constant opening the pantry and refrigerator doors, calling out "There's nothing to eat." No TV blaring when we were trying to sleep. No coming in late after work or out with friends.
Last year, our older son Andrew was away at SIUE and Eric was attending SWIC, living at home. We would see Andrew occasionally between breaks; he was only a half hour away. Now with Eric at Carbondale, we see them infrequently. If one comes home for a weekend or part of a weekend, the other may not.
Even though I miss seeing them day to day, I am glad they are becoming more independent and pursuing their education. Some of the positives with fewer people in the house: our food seems to last longer. I don't worry about meal components disappearing before I can use them. I buy very little junk food (or what the boys would call "essentials"). And we can cook whatever WE want for dinner, not worrying the picky eater won't like it or the other is not "in the mood" for chicken or fish. We can eat when it's convenient for us, not trying to work around class and work schedules for 4 people.
Their rooms are clean now. After they moved into their residence halls (don't call them dorms!), I gave their bedrooms and bathroom a heavy cleaning. When they come home "to visit," their beds are made and floors freshly vacuumed. It's nice not to have to close their doors to avoid looking at the mess they liked to live in.
Another perk is laundry. I have less to wash, dry and fold. When they come home, if they bring laundry, they do it themselves (or at least most of it--it's tough not to mother them a little). I enjoy seeing them; it's special to share time with them and catch up on their daily lives. I am so glad they are growing up--but when they leave the house for good (which they will), it will be strange. But we'll then be able to downsize and live wherever we want--no need to worry about school districts and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Every once in awhile we still here the pitter patter of feet on the stairs or in the hallway, but they belong to our feline boys, not the human ones. At least we still have them around to feed and spoil.
I can see how it is a relief but a bit sad. I am sure the conversations are interesting when they come home. I love my puppies (we cannot call them dogs) and though they will keep my own parents company when I leave (again) and my brother leaves, I will miss them barking to be let out every half hour.
ReplyDeleteI was listening to Barb Rainey on talk radio who has written a book on the Empty Nest, and even though I have decades before I'll experience it, it made me really sympathize with my mom and her friends who "lost their chicks" all around the same time. It even convinced me to show my mom some grace when she continues trying to mother-hen me. Hey, now you have time to pursue your interests! That's exciting!
ReplyDeleteThe never ending laundry that needs to be done is what kills me. The moment I have it all caught up, boom, kids come home from school and there is another basket or two to do. I like to cook and so I prepare most of my family’s meals and I think I’ve forgotten completely how to cook for only one or two people. Everything I make is in bulk now. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting on my blog entry. To Jon, I too cannot easily make food for one or two. A couple weeks ago I made a huge pot of soup. It was great, but we ate it and ate it. It wasn't one that would freeze well. I have to look at recipes to see if they can be halved. And Abbey, I have still been so busy with work, I haven't thought of new interests to pursue. But I will.
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