My 15 Day Trial Period of Being a Empty-Nester
My 17 year-old son traveled abroad August 2018
His trip was my “15 DAY TRIAL PERIOD” of being a Empty-Nester.
Feels like yesterday when we dropped my son off for his first week of overnight summer camp marking my first experience of being away from him for a week. When we picked him up, he could barely say hello to us without asking us to sign him up for two weeks next year. My first look at his independence!
As a mom I had to find the courage to let my child be independent and let us both move out of our comfort zones.
My son joined a Portuguese band the beginning of 2018. The opportunity to travel abroad an unexpected benefit, the band goes to Portugal every four years. My very lucky child casually comes home, after two months of practicing with the band and states he will need a passport for the bands trip to Portugal. I respond "Oh really? you don't ask me, you just tell me?" He further explains the band fund raises for the trip and invited him even though he just joined, which was a huge honor.
So
True!
Thankful for family and friends who have been checking in, to make sure I am doing OK as well as getting me out and about.
The 2018-2019 school year is my son's final year of high school, which is the reasoning behind my 15 day Empty-Nester Trial Period. He has always expressed interest in going away to college, which would make me an actual Empty-Nester.
My sons trip abroad had its ups and downs, but he handled himself like the man we raised him to be. He is smart, fearless and learns instantly from his mistakes. As his mom I don't think I will ever be at my happiest when he isn't near, but whether I am near or I am far, I will love him, I will support him and I will be proud of him. ❤