I really really want to read this poem but I can't find it. I only see the review page! Can you help please! God bless!

Wow. I know exactly how you feel. Empty nest or emptiness either way the dull ache is there. Grandchildren is the only respite I have recently found. The future holds so much but in the meantime it hurts. Excellent.

I could of sworn (not exactly - but, you know what I mean)
I didn't...Geez... I'm slacking! I am sorry jOyce!
YOur write reminded me of my feelings1
My friends said ONE word "ADJUST"
and you both will!
Grandchildren and new memories are to be made NOW!
New albums to fill!
OH' boy' Oh boy!
YOu wrote this beautifully!
I Loved your title!!!
WArmly, Warrior Lady Sheee
Stay SAFE!
STay Strong and POsitive!

My children were very little and I blinked, twice, and suddenly they were grown up and gone.
The emptiness was filled with memories.
Only a mother could say it with such tenderness.
Great writing!!!
Georg

You've express exactly the emotions of a mother; well written. But don't forget the children are grown and gone, but soon they'll be coming back with grand-children; another adventure for you for express your beautiful spirit....Beautiful. God Bless, Sharon

I love this ! Each time one of my six children left, a part of me went with them. I called it " parting syndrome"! and ,YES, I did survive it. They still manage to come home for special occassions. I love the feelings of togethernes. Five live near by, one is in Miami. My two stepdaughters keep in touch. Our cup runneth over! An excellent write. .....M

A lovely write Joyce
we have an empty nest too
Now We travel to see them
more fun this way

Love & Peace
William

Ahh...true, but soon come the little ones again...grandchildren
in which to spoil...:)

So beautiful Joyce!!

I hear that. Look to your writing...

Chrissy

A hard thing for all of us to have to face. God Love your soul for the kind of woman you are! A TRUE MOTHER!

Well Joyce, the empty nest syndrome is one thing I won't have to worry about for a while; I have 2 kids ages 11 & 12 and a nine month old! Oooops! It was quite a shock, but I wouldn't change a thing. Your poem flows beautifully and touches the heart with bittersweet emotions, emphasizing the way time flies past so cruelly fast. Well done!
~Butch

I am still feathering mine in that I have a way to go before they decide to choose their own path, but these words of wisdom I have saved and I will build upon them dear friend for when the time comes. Staving it off as long as I can ;) lol! Much love Panda :)

Where does the time go? An age old question, I guess, but I think Cynthia is also right; at some point, we must start relishing all our marvelous memories, and start living for ourselves.

Oh I think you speak for every mother here...and yes the empty nest can leave you with that emptiness!!

Love Tinka

Joyce,

Don't worry. They don't go far. So in the meantime, go live life for for you!

Cynthia

I feel your emptiness and feelings of sadness
I too wonder where the time went why are we left
With this ache in the pit of our heart
But children do grow up and they fallow their heart and own life
We as loving parents helped them to be strong and smart
By doing our best to give them a good education and love and security
And teaching them to love Jesus and themselves
But we can still talk with them and prayed for them to have a Peaceful life as they begin their journey through life as a
Parent or a young adult on his or her own or as a college student
This we can still do for in my heart I truly believe they
Will always need their mother!
We just have to adapted to new changes And they are too!!
I Love this very beautiful view of your poetic
Thoughts this poem was beautifully written
Deep emotional feelings of loneliness throughout the page
Love And Peace To You Always...Morning Star

Gratitude too for the great memories and that you have a family, they won't be away for long, the baby sitting years are ahead now..

very nice poetic reflection Joyce. Life does present its changes upon us, then we have to adapt, you're only a loving mother. I know you've seen the commercial where the two parents are sending their child off to college, they're looking all sad in his face but soon as he leaves they start celebrating and figuring what they're going to use his room for

I don't think it is empty nest syndrome Joyce, I think it is the emptiness of a quiet house, no more babies to look after, no teenagers running in and out, no parties to plan or proms to get ready for. It is just the emptiness of just you and hubby and the dog and cat now. My nest didn't stay empty too long. My daughter married, had a couple children, and then the bottom fell out of the marriage and where do you go but back to the warmth and security of your parents home. My house turned back into a circus for a couple years while she pursued her career. I just had time to get adjusted to the empty nest and all of a sudden, it was overflowing again. Now they have their own home and ours is quiet again. I really appreciate it now!! Let it be empty if it means peaceful. I like the quiet nights to read or write or just sit and watch tv. One night a week we keep the kids for her and it is back to cartoons and cookies and milk. That's enough for me!! You really put your heart into this, and it is so beautiful. Memories are our greatest treasures. Time to make more with the grandkids!

Blessing of love,
Linda Wells

Joyce everything they ever did from first breath will always be unconditional love and missing them terribly. I think they can be 92 and a mother will always miss and love them and they had a wonderful , loving, mother in you my dear friend. Bless you....... Thank you for sharing their lives and memories with us.
God Bless always,
Joselyn

Leaving the nest is hardest on the parents as you so aptly have described.

Every word in every line touched my heart. I wrote something similar sometime ago. We do ask ourselves where did the time go? Hold onto those memories and enjoy the time God has given us to renew our souls and enjoy His words. Reach out and give encouragement in God's word to those who needs it, and think about it, that will keep your mind active and you'll be touching those who may never know about God.

I can appreciate the sadness and lonliness a parent feels when children finally leave home to begin a life of their. But leave home they must, for that is part of the cycle of life. Use this new found time to re-discover yourself...the who you were before the kids arrived. Do crazy, romantic things with dearest hubby. Rekindle the time that was. Soon grandchildren will arrive...so too will babysitting...and...need I say more? Time flies for all. Enjoy the now... :) Remember life is short...too short no matter how old we grow.

God Bless
Heaps of love
Lena

Well, I agree the empty nest is a stress point in a parent's life. Interesting pattern. Didn't know if you were following a style or not. Cheers.

Powerful write, and thank you for sharing this, may you continue writing, and may you continue to be blessed
God Bless
Michelle~

Wait till they have their own children. Then life will be full again. You know, I am doing much more for my grandson than I did for my daughter. Victor

Wonderful, how lucky they were to have you. And how lucky you are to have memories. Plus a life and people who love you, and your nest to nestle in. Well done. From Joyce McInnes

Joyce, I love your poem. It brought back memories because it delineates a timeline of what parents go through with his/her child/ren. Well done.

Another beauty of a memoir, Joyce -- I could read you all day, every day, forever, my friend. This is so poignant, so full of love. You brought so many of my own memories back to the fore -- I miss those days when my three girls were little. Now they're mommies, too ... and it's wonderful! Now I have my girls AND their little ones to love.
Love and hugs, sweet Joyce,
CJ

This is so beautiful and moving Joyce. Heartfelt and true, we have to let go..that's the hardest thing we parents have to do. Excellent write. Hugs, Laura