Don't even know where to start

[amyb000111]

Taught them to first get a degree
Taught them to spend their twenties seeing the world and living life, like I had done
Taught them that then they would never have to start a sentence with "I should've..."
Taught them to wait to have children until they first lived their own lives so they would truly appreciate children for the gifts they were
Taught them to live below their means
Taught them to feel fortunate that they could live below their means, and to give back to those who can't

Taught them to value experiences over stuff
Taught them to volunteer and make the world a better place
Taught them to show compassion, especially for those too damaged to be able to show any themselves


Now my five 20-somethings are scattered all over the world. Army, Americorp, Peace Corp, college.  Doing everything I taught them and more.  No grandchildren.


While so proud, I never knew the loneliest experience in my life would be the day my children all listened to every word I said.


Guess they taught me. 😢

[MaryB]

YOU are a GREAT MOTHER, and taught your children well..  you are selfless and loving.   I know you miss your children but they will return one day with a quiver full of grand babies for you..  wait and see...


Amy, welcome to the forum..  you have friends here.   

[Natasha]

You are a great mother and your kids are amazing too, to have listened to everything you said and apply it to their lives. Not many people can say that their kids took their advice to heart.

[Kidless]

You spent many years teaching your children how to do things.  Now it's your turn.  Get out and have some fun.  Make new friends.  Go places and do things.  You have done a great job and they will all return one day with babies on their hips.  In the meantime please enjoy life and say "Whew!!"
 

[amyb000111]

Thank you all for the support.  💕

[MaryB]

Amy,  just read on pinterest "You call it empty nest, but I call it new craft room"!  haha I thought of you.  Do you knit or like any crafts?
Another one I heard that I loved went something like "I hope when I die my husband does not sell my craft supplies for what I told him they cost"! haha..  really liked that one!   

[Elizabeth]

Hello Amyb000111, welcome! I know you miss them but I have a feeling that they will be showing back up from time to time and you'll end up with those grandkids. You sound like you were a very good mother and did a good job raising them all.


Do keep us updated on how things are going for you!


 

[cookielady]

Amy, you should feel so proud that your children are walking in the footsteps you helped form for them. A lot of kids don't. I understand your loneliness. I am, however, so proud my daughter is doing exactly what she set out to do and didn't give up even when things got really hard. I never would've had the guts to move across the US to go to school, make new friends, etc.