Who Invented Empy Nest Syndrome Anyway?

Who started this empty nest syndrome anyway?

I wanted to hide in a corner and put my arms around my two little girls and hold them as close to me as I could. I wanted to protect them and myself from the pain's of life.

I fed them, clothed them, held them when they were sick, encouraged them, disciplined them and tried my best to lead them in the right direction.

We had numerous parties and games, friends and family! I lived their lives with them and loved every minute of it.

Twelve years ago my little girl wore a cap and gown and walked with 2000 other little girls and boys ( in my eye's) across a huge stage and recieved a diploma that threw her into a big world of independence.

I was so happy for her and was happy to send her off to my favorite university. Oklahoma University in Norman, Ok.

I went to see her often and spent time on the campus talking and eating and meeting her friends.

She decided OU was not the place for her and decided to try the apartment life style. I visited and encouraged her in whatever she wanted to do.

At 20 she decided to marry and we planned a wedding. I decorated and shopped for cakes and made invitations and the wedding was a success.

She was married and on her own. One down and one to go!

She called me that night and we talked, she was so excited to start this new chapter in her life and I was so happy for her. She actually called her mother on her wedding night! I thought I must have done something right, she love's her mother.

At 21 her first baby came, a boy! I knew my girls were the love of my life but nothing could compare to this. This perfect little baby! It was like having my daughter all over again. He was my pride and joy! I was there with her for all his precious moments.

17 months later a second little boy was born, she wanted a little girl so bad and I tried my best to console her, but I too wanted a granddaughter. We love that 2nd little boy with all our hearts and would never trade him for all the girls in the world.

Tragedy hit and my perfect little girl went through divorce. My heart broke for her.

She and the boy's came to live with us for awhile. I got closer to the boys.

Our nest only had one teenager in it at the time and was pretty calm and quiet. Suddenly it was full again.

It was a few month's and she moved into her own place, taking (my) boy's with her and leaving the nest alittle sad.

Meanwhile I was focusing on my younger daughter. There were prom's and party's and then ...her graduation. I alway's knew this second one was more of a free spirit so I knew one day she would fly out on her own. I had prepared myself for that by now.

She brought home a pet and that was ok, until he began to get big and eat the woodwork in the house. It was us or the dog. She decided she could never give up the dog so she left the nest.

Meanwhile the oldest had found (another)love of her life.. and decided to marry! The four of them moved back in until they could find a place to live. I got closer to her and the boy's.

The nest was overflowing!!

Number 3 was on the way and this time it was a girl!

They decided it was time to find a house. Mom was just too bossy and trying to control their lives and especially the kids.

The nest was now empty.

Luckily for me they had only moved 4 blocks away. So I made my daily visits to see them.

He was working the night that she went into labor with my granddaughter and thankfully I was there to help her through it, until he got home. Three times now I had sat thro the night waiting for these perfect little creature's to come into the world. I thought this was the last one. What a beautiful baby girl.

My nest didn't feel empty, it just felt like it had moved 4 blocks away. Thats ok!

We still had New Years Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Birthdays, Independence Day, First Day of School, Pumpkin Patch, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day together. No empty nest here...it was growing everyday because we found out last year that number 4 was on the way!

He began to get a little tired of his mother-in-law and by the time that fourth little boy came the nest had dwindled away!

Today they said mom, we need time to ourselves to raise our kids and you will need to stay away. Call please, before you come and don't plan to come and stay. These children are ours and we want to raise them our way.

Who invented empty nest syndrome and how do I get past this place?

Do I go cold turkey, or gradually fade away? I cry alot now, and don't know what to say, do we fight for the right to stay in their live's or let them fly away? There's no cure for a syndrome so I guess its here to stay...