Becoming Empty Nesters (The Sequel)

Two SUV's left our driveway Monday, headed to Spokane. One vehicle was driven by the tall, broke unemployed Whitworth graduate. He's hoping to find a job quickly. The other was our youngest daughter, heading back for her junior year at Whitworth, after a bit of a Gap Year; she worked and completed her associates degree at our local community college.

 And so...here we are. Empty nesters. Again. As is our tradition, we'll have to have a period of celebrating mourning, so that most likely demands a stop at a winery or two. The packing continues since we're moving off the island the weekend after Labor Day.

It was great to receive a phone call from our oldest who is currently in Fort Collins, Colorado. Glad he and his wife are back in the states after more than a month seeing Thailand, Cambodia, Hong Kong and New Zealand. Due to their love of "all things Lord of the Rings," New Zealand was the favorite.

My favorite? Pretty much anyplace my whole family is under one roof at the same time. Sunshine is a bonus! We've been settling in our two "littles" and celebrating my birthday too. Spokane is definitely one of my favorite places.

Christmas might be the next time all the kids are home together (and in the new home!) Until then, I'll be making memories with my best friend as we navigate being without kids around. Again. The last time we became empty nesters was pretty good but since we've had some practice, this time should be even better!

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing? Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

Isaiah 43:18-19New International Version (NIV)

Fellow empty nesters and Pirate Parents, we can do this new thing!!

In His Grip, Jane

Photo source: photo bucket