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My kids are nearly six years apart in age. My daughter is the oldest and is now a mom herself. She owns a home with her partner. She hasn’t lived at home with us since 2018. She’s all the way grown.
My son graduated college in 2024 and has been gainfully employed for ten months, but since his job is nearby, he’s been living at home to save money. Now that’s about to change—as it should. He and his buddies found an apartment in the city and he’s moving out Tuesday.
I will miss him, but at least he’s not moving to New York. I know I’ll get to see him. Heck, he could even come over for dinner after work (our house is that close to his job). Still, it is the end of an era. If all goes well, he won’t move back in with us, probably ever. No more seeing what he wears to work each morning. No more casual chats with my husband after work about the Patriots’ latest roster moves.
I didn’t intend to space out my kids by six years. It was more like I was very happy with one child, but then when the biological window started closing, I had second thoughts.
But maybe it worked out in my favor? By spacing my kids out so far, I became a grandma before my nest was truly, permanently empty. Having an adorable baby granddaughter in my life takes the sting out of my own little birdie flying the coop.
Babies don’t keep.
50 Happens 
What an adorable baby! Sweet, sweet little face. Yes, the end of an era. Bittersweet.
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It is. Times marches on.
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Yes, yes! As I wrote, bittersweet.
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New beginnings, Mary. Also means you’ve done your job properly as parents. Well done!
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Thank you May! 🙏🏼
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Aww, that’s great Mary. No grandkids yet here, but I can imagine that makes the sting of the empty nest a little easier to handle! Great job.
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Thank you Brian!
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I remember when I moved out after getting my first job. Just like your son, my friends and I found an apartment and we all moved in together. It’s such an amazing time at that age. I think it’s great that you are excited for his next phase of life. Yes, he will stop by for homemade meals first because he misses good cooking. That later will morph because he misses your company. It’s just part of an evolution of a young man.
…and it is perfect timing since you’ll have your adorable grandchild to keep you busy and your heart full.
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Thank you! I hope it all works out and that they have fun and keep the place clean. There’s only ONE bathroom for four of them, but he’s excited.
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One bathroom for 4 guys… yikes! It won’t matter, they’ll have a lot of fun! I envy him!
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Seems perfect, Mary. Congratulations on getting both kids successfully and happily launched! ❤
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Thank you! It is the goal, isn’t it? But somehow still bittersweet ❤️
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That’s for sure, Mary. There’s pain involved. I remember after each of the kids was born, they would feel so far away even just across the room. 🙂
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Beautiful photo, Mary, and I’m sure your grandchild helps with living in the empty nest. We somehow lived through the transition, but it wasn’t easy. 🙂
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