AN EMPTY NEST

Twenty three years ago I became a mom for the first time.  After much planning and saving, we decided it was time to start our family with the expectation that I would stay home with the kids while my husband built his plumbing company.  We added two more kids to our family in a very short time, and dived into parenthood with all the energy and excitement that young parents possess.  I mean, we treated parenthood like it was our one and only mission. The sacrifices were many as the budget was very tight in those first few years.  But the love, laughs and delight at watching terrific kids become amazing adults was an experience that is unparalleled.

As the kids got bigger so did our home.  Many of our friends bought larger homes, but loving our location and being in construction we decided to add on to our existing home.  We doubled the square footage and added a detached “Garage Mahal” as we affectionately refer to it. This garage has never housed a car.  It has always been filled with boats, fishing gear, sports equipment for every possible sport, 4-wheelers, motorcycles, paint ball equipment, guns, bows, targets, a pool table, industrial ice machine and, of course, a fridge and large screen TV.  In our quest to keep our kids close to home as teenagers we strived to have the fun toys that we could all use as a family.  It worked like a charm and also attracted all their friends.  Those teen years surrounded by dozens of kids were the craziest, most fun-filled times for our family.  

Fast forward to the present; we find ourselves suddenly hurled into “empty nest syndrome”.  We saw it coming and tried to prepare for it.  I went back to school and realized my lifelong dream of becoming a real estate agent and my husband started to expand his business because he had more time to devote to work. We talked about how nice it will be to spend more time as a couple and made plans to take vacations with fellow empty nesters.  We thought we were emotionally ready for the next stage...we weren’t!  Those first weeks were torturous (some days still are).  Lots of pouting, tears and constant prayers.  I think that first stage is the hardest but it’s just one of many stages.  The stage we find ourselves in now is easier on the heart but full of unanswered questions.  What do we do with all the “stuff” that we have filled this five bedroom home up with?  Where did all this stuff come from?  Why didn’t it leave when the kids left?   What do two people do with a five bedroom home?  Although it was daunting to think about, I realized as a real estate agent, I was in a unique position to deal with this stage and also help my fellow empty nesters!  Every day I go into people's homes and help them decide what to pack up and what to keep.  I explain the need to simplify and encourage them to get started, many times I roll up my sleeves and work right alongside them.  I talk to clients about whether this is the right time for them to sell based on their needs and their stage of life. We discuss what rooms to renovate and who the most dependable contractors are for each stage of the remodel.  Following every discussion with “I have a guy for that”.

Well today I start helping myself do the same thing!  Today I am the client.  One task at a time...one room at a time...just like I encourage my clients.  Making a list, getting some quotes and moving forward.  The second stage is going to be different but now I realize it’s going to be great!  Side note: I’m letting the husband tackle the “Garage Mahal”.

Best Wishes,

-Jenny