Ahhhh, the empty nest years. Oh wait, nix that. I, like so many others my age {54 in January, ugg there I said it}, are finding themselves caught between still raising children while caring for their aging parents.
My roof covers an eclectic blended crew of 16. The fulltime residents consist of my darling husband of nearly 7 years, my precocious 7 year old stepdaughter, my rather spirited 88 year old mother and two rambunctious pups. Other regularly visiting characters include my 29 year old son, my 27 year old stepson, his wife and our almost 3 year old grandson, my 26 year old daughter and her husband, my 25 year old special needs stepson, my 22 year old stepson, his wife and our 6 month old granddaughter. Needless to say with a gang this size there is never a dull moment.
After the end of an 18 year marriage, 6 years as a single parent and almost 7 years in my new marriage, I find myself refeathering my nest again. Four weeks ago, I gave notice to my employer that I would be semi-retiring from my very stressful job beginning on January 13, my 54th birthday. While it wasn't planed that way, somehow this serendipitous coincidence reinforced my decision.
So what's next? My head is spinning with all the things I've been wishing I had the time for. I'm absolutely giddy with the prospects. I will try to stay realistic and not over extend myself. My husband will chuckle at that last statement. Wish me luck.
First up, I'm off to bake for Christmas. Something I love but not done in years.
I'll leave with two of my favorite quotes.
"Its not the destination its the journey."- not sure of the author
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." - Anais Nan
Next time, Robyn
