It was while standing at the kitchen counter first thing this morning, pouring water into the coffee pot and still mostly asleep, that I glanced up and spotted the open door.

And I remembered: She's gone again.

After weeks of being mostly here, of holidays and work days and carpools and visits to the library and sharing chores and bumping into each other in the kitchen … now she's mostly gone.

If I step through the door, I'll still see her things filling the room, but the piles are gone, all stuffed back into the large green suitcase, the collapsible hamper, the plastic bags and other containers that filled the trunk and backseat of my car yesterday and were deposited back into her other room, also still filled with her things.

And with a hug, kiss, "Have a good semester! I love you!" that's also where I left her.

Today, she's mostly gone. Again.

But not totally. And not far away.

That helps.

1994ish 2

 

 

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8 responses to “Empty Nest. Again. Sigh.”

  1. walker Avatar

    Love the picture. Being a mother is full of bittersweet moments like this one, isn’t it. We want them to be independent and to make their mark in the world, then we miss them terribly when they’re gone.

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  2. lisleman Avatar

    I wish her a good semester too. I love learning and college was great time for that. In our connected world I’m sure you are not far away at all. A text, FB page, maybe a tweet – we can be over connected at times. all the best

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  3. Jillsy Girl Avatar

    I know it must be difficult. I know the feeling after we’ve had guests and then it’s just back to the two (well, three) of us.

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  4. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Yep, that's the good thing about having the dogs – I can baby them more if I get that urge!

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  5. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you for the good wishes! I love learning, too, and I'm biding my time until they're all out and loans are whittled down so I can make a final push toward my degree.

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  6. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Yes, it is and yes we do!

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  7. Juana Avatar

    It’s so hard to see them go…But at least it’s because of a good education. That helps a little…
    I hope you cheer up soon!!

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  8. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thanks, Juana! I talked to her on the phone yesterday (thank God for cell phones!) and that helped a lot!

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