Empty Nest

[praisegirl2]

It looks as though most of you here have younger children. But I have two kids. My son is married and when he moved out I had the hardest time. I did not think that I could stand it. Well I finally got over that or learned to live with it.
Now just recently my daugther moved out. She is 20yrs old and moved in with her boyfriend (which I do not approve of her living with him and not being married). I have had the worst time. I mean it is bad enough she is living in sin but I have never lived alone and I feel so lost sometimes. I don't eat and I cant sleep most of the time. I am so use to it being just me and her for the last 6 yrs. I miss her so much. She has been gone almost 3months. A friend of mine says I am in mourning. Anyone have any advice does it get better? I am sure it is harder because she is my little gir and she isn't saved and she lives with a guy.
I just want to cry all the time. I don't even want to go home.

 

[Jenna]

Awwwww..... *hugs* *hugs* *hugs*

I wish that I knew what to say to help you feel better. I watched my mom when my little sister finally moved out on her own, and it was rough. My mom only wanted to sleep because she felt so lonely all the time. No matter what I could do to keep her occupied and smiling during the day, she had an empty home to go back to. So, I may not be where you are, but I understand that it is very hard emotionally.

Since you said that it was just you and your daughter for the last 6 years, I'm assuming that there is no one else in the home, like a spouse? Have you entertained the idea of possibly having a housemate? It was a great help to my husband's aunt when she was left with a quiet home.

 

[praisegirl2]

Thank you but no a housemate wouldn't work for me. I just don't think I would like that.
But it is something to think about I guess.
I think if the situation with my daughter was different then it wouldn't be so bad.
I do have my two dogs and two cats and a rabitt!!
I am really close to my kids and I have raise them by myself. It is just hard. I know God will help me thru it.
Thanks for taking the time to respond.
God Bless You

 

[Violet]

I can imagine what you're going through. I dread the day that I have to let my daughter go. My mother in law went through major empty nest syndrome when my husband and I got married. They live an hour away so just knowing he wasn't close by tore her apart. We've been married for a year and 2 months now and she's sooo much better now. She got a full time job and involved herself w/the church. Do you have any hobbies? Maybe you can do volunteer work to take up some time?
Well I'll be praying for you and your daughter...God Bless

 

[praisegirl2]

Violet
Thank you praying.
I work full time so that takes up my week days. I do plan on getting more involved in my church. I would have already but I have not felt real good but I will soon. I know this is something that happens I mean we all grow up and leave sooner or later. My son will be moving to Canada next summer so that won't help matters a lot either. I will be ok I am sure. It just takes time. SOme days are better than others.
Thank you
God Bless YOu

 

[joyshirley]

Hello praisegirl2

My heart goes out to you in your struggle to handle all this. I have 4 teenagers and I am so thankful that our eldest one, soon to turn 20, has no desire to move out from the family home at this stage, as I know I am going to miss him terribly when he does move out. I have been trying to prepare myself for the fact that they will head out to make their own way on their journey one day, but I suspect that I am ill-prepared for it!
At our church, we have a lady who has a ministry, which is visiting those folk who live alone. Now and then, she organises outings for them as a group. They really enjoy these, and I know they appreciate her visits. Just walking with them on their journeys, really.
Perhaps if you were to do something like this it would help you, as well as others. Just a thought.

"The Lord bless you and keep you
the Lord make His face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn His face toward you
and give you peace."

 

[bliz]

Empty nesting is especially hard when there is only one parent.

I suggest that you look into getting some counseling. Not eating, having trouble sleeping, on the edge of tears all the time... this is major mourning. Having someone to whom you can talk and help you sort all of these emotions out would be very helpful. Counseling is not always for people who have something "wrong" with them, but it is a huge help for people who would lke their lives to be better. That sounds like you!