Thumbelina

47

Jingle

41 loved every minute, when oldest DGD was born about 7 months later, I became a hands on Mom again. Had her on the weekends. At eightteen she moved in with us and still lives here while working and going to college. She is totally independant. We just provide a room and roof and guidance. So much easier to deal with than her Mother was.

Caroleen

49 when the last one married and left home. Miss them terribly. I've had a really hard time feeling useful and purposeful. Having a hard time making myself sew without the pressure. I work better under pressure I've found out.

Annaquilts

Bless your heart. What a sweet story.

pocoellie

Finally at 61, after raising my son, taking care of my mom, then raising my granddaughter, who will be starting college Monday.

roselady

It's been 3 years for me...I was 50. My two sons live with in 35 miles so I can see them often. My daughter lives 1500 miles away and is carrying my first grandchild....that stinks!!!! Missing her is so hard. She is due in 5 weeks, and of course I will be spending a few weeks with her when she has the baby, but right now I can't even begin to think how I will leave them both when it is time.

grammydar

I turned 50 in June, had an empty nest 4 yrs ago for about 5 months, I had mixed feelings, but was getting used to it, then our son left his wife, lots of other things happened for about a year, Now I have a 10 & 8 yr old that I am raising. I Love them dearly, somedays I miss my empty nest. I wouldn't give them up for anything though.

emerald46

We were 48 when youngest of two children went to college. He moved home for 2 years after grad school - which was such fun having him coming and going. So we've now been empty nesters for 10 years. Our kiddos visit alot, we travel alot more than I ever thought we would...life is good.

I have friends who are practically raising their gk bc parents can't or won't afford childcare. So that has changed the make-up of my daytime friends' group. Most of us at this point are not really interested in having toddlers involved on a regular basis in girls' day out or weekly bridge games.

Favorite Fabrics

It will be 59 for me... unless the last-born comes into enough money to afford to go away to college. We're encouraging her to choose a local college, and have a debt-free start.

A lot can happen in 8 years though (or even 4)...

scnheckert

58, I became an empty nester on Wednesday when I sent my last one to college. I braced myself for a few days of grieving but that did not happen. I feel very "light" right now, like a burden has been lifted. :-D