the joyful nest!

I don't know if you remember, but one of my first posts was about "choosing joy".

It is what I do.

I have come to a time in my life,

when the chicks are mostly grown.
Time flies when you're having fun, and

I know that in just a few years the nest will be empty.

OUCH!

I feel a pain in my heart. Don't call 911, I'm OK, it's just so hard to have my childers growing up and leaving. What's weird is, I have been looking forward to this for quite sometime. I just didn't know it would come quite so quickly. Being a mom has been the greatest, hardest, most amazing experience. When they were tiny, I would give anything (pretty much) for a break. Just 20 minutes! You know, run to the store by myself, take a shower, eat MY food by myself. I think all I did was feel overwhelmed and worry. Come to think of it, I still worry. But now they're gone alot and doing so much, I worry when they don't come home at the designated time. Did the car break down? Have they even looked at the clock? These days, I miss having them all safely tucked in bed by 8:30 pm.

After all is said and done, life is wonderful. It is a challange, and I love it. I choose to love it, all of it.

------------------------------------

I sent my oldest son off to boot camp on Tuesday, he has chosen to serve his country. It's going to be a great thing! I will miss seeing him for a while. Then my second son will be leaving on his mission in July. Oldest daughter is at a crossroads, as well. Bonus baby just turned sixteen on the 19th and had her first date all in the same week. Wow! I  know that I'm still their mom and hopefully they will always come home to the nest for visits, bringing lots of grandbabies and sharing love and  togetherness.

When I first heard Eva Cassidy sing this song, I cried....I sobbed. I thought of my darlin children flying away. It's hard, but when it's time for them to go, I know it. I have to have faith in them and in God. I know I have taught them, and loved them, and they are amazing!! 
(don't forget to pause the music at the bottom
before you listen to Eva)

I had a friend tell me once, "Joy, you're not the only one who loves them." Father in Heaven loves them even more than I do. They will be just fine!!!