Empty Nesting

I am not sure I get the whole empty nest thing.  Now that my youngest daughter has gone to college, the house is supposed to feel vacant and lonely without my kids.  But even though they are not living here day to day, this house still holds them.  My daughters are part of what makes this house our home.  That fact does not make me sad, no - to the contrary.  I miss them but I am comforted by their presence here - their essence here.  My husband and I are slowly expanding our days to fill the voids previously occupied by soccer games and school activities.  However,  I am more aware of my potential contribution to the world in my family, my daughters and most of all, in me.

I love the fact that they are out in their part of the world (luckily so far, somewhat nearby) and making their own way.  For them, there is an invisible family tether back to this house but they are free to come and go and know that we will always be here for them, anchoring their presence in this world.  I love them dearly and cannot wait to see even what more they can accomplish!