Five Words that Fill an Empty Nest

Five Words that Fill an Empty Nest

This week’s inspiration comes from one of my own, my son Peter. No matter how dizzy or disoriented my pace becomes, when my phone lights up with the name of one of my children, my world stops and I become open to receive.

Pete and I had missed our usual Sunday catch-up call. During his college years on the West Coast, we discovered the importance of a scheduled conversation given his course load, wrestling schedule, and the three-hour time difference. It took us two years to realize that phone calls and texting were not the same as a live eyeball-to-eyeball connection, so we started using FaceTime.

Made all the difference in the world.

With my nutty schedule, we didn’t have a chance to chat on Sunday and were struggling to find a time during the week. After one failed attempt, we connected via phone but Pete cut himself short.

“I’m sorry I’m so rushed, Ma. Can we still do FaceTime? I want to tell you all about what’s going on. . .” His voice trailed on, static set in, but he finished strong with, “Can I call you tomorrow night?”

“Sure,” I heard myself reply, and we set up a time.

But my mind was still stuck on what he had said.

I want to tell you…

How those five words warmed my heart and raised my spirits!

I didn’t realize it at the time but there is a seismic shift that occurs when the last child leaves for college.

My home life morphed from a hub to a satellite.

It’s what we’re meant to do as parents; raise those chickadees so they can successfully fly the coop. I know that, but it still doesn’t make the process any easier.

There are more seismic shifts ahead when they move into their own first apartment, begin that first job, and meet the person of their dreams.

Their participation in our lives becomes more of a choice than a necessity.

Pete said, “I want to tell you,” not, “I need to tell you.” There’s a vast difference in those two words.

The next day we FaceTimed and in his own animated, passionate way, he described the ups and downs in his world.

I loved every single minute of it.

So thanks, Pete, for wanting to share your life with me and strengthening those “strings that connect us.” I cherish each call.

How about you? How do you feel when you hear those five words, I want to tell you. . .? Tell me about it. I’d love to know.

My best – always,

Becky  (Nana B)

P.S. So excited to see my N.C. buddies and family this weekend! Please come if you are in the area. I’d love to see you!

Sunday, October 21 at 3 p.m., Bull’s Head Bookshop UNC Chapel Hill Student bookstore. More details and info below.

OUT AND ABOUT WITH BECKY

P.P.S. Fun times shooting the welcome video with Polly Surhoff and Media Star Promotions for our PATHFINDERS FASHION SHOW EVENT. Check it out if you’d like to sponsor, attend, or donate goods or services. We’d love to see you there or win an item from you!

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