Empty Nest: The Final Run

The other night sitting in our living room, we sat in comfortable silence watching a movie. Rick feeling particularly comfy sitting in his boxers and tee shirt and me just happy I could hear the tv.   

Hubby remarked, without even thinking, "We're finally Empty Nesters."

And it's true. Since making the big move to include Devon and the babies into our lives we've had brief dry runs, exploratory excursions into this new frontier. But this summer will be different, somehow, and I can only explain it by noting that the real thing is much better than the dry runs.

Harmony (Channon) is officially out on her own now, a whole bunch of states away. Martina is currently still forging life on her own and now Devon…..leaving us to live in a home filled with tons of wonderful people that not only love her but will take care of her.

This summer's time alone together has taken on a slightly different flavor. In times past, we would celebrate the rare time "off" from parenting responsibilities by acting like co-eds on Spring Break, going out every night, constantly on the move, taking full advantage of the opportunity to play hard. This time, we've fallen into a comfortable routine, and have almost unconsciously turned our full attentions to enjoying each other's company for its own sake, without the need for constant extracurricular distraction.

We've had long conversations that fluctuate between the serious and the absurd. We've sought out new adventures to share instead of running around for the running's sake. We've hung out together in relaxed silence, reading, or gardening, or watching the news. We've cuddled, and snuggled, and giggled. We've both stumbled into ways of being thoughtful of each other; small ways, that have required little thought, really. We've taken time for ourselves and our separate interests, wiser for knowing this makes us more interesting together. We've been easy, and carefree, and content.

The two of us have never been a married couple without children. Early in our marriage,  I used to be worried we'd grow apart, and become virtual strangers. I used to think that it might be possible for us to wake up some day in the distant future, look at each other, and say, "Who the hell are you and what are you doing here?"

Silly me.

Because I know exactly who he is, after all. A wonderfully goofy, amazing man who loves me; one half of a brilliant whole. I get the distinct feeling our empty nest is going to be mighty full.