Natalie Whatley

I’m suffering from empty-nest syndrome…well, sort of. It’s not the traditional variety that comes to mind after children have left for college, or married. It’s the kind where nestlings, who are in various stages of fledging, leave via a yellow limousine each week-day morning, and return in the late afternoon, incessantly chirping, wild-eyed and hungry.

This disturbance began about three years ago when the baby started kindergarten. Since the most labor-intensive part of child rearing is over, I’ve attempted various activities to occupy my mind and body…only to find where my niche isn’t.

Being a stay-at-home mom naturally lends itself to certain activities, but I’ve found that too many involve being with small children. I’m stuck in this strange limbo of missing my children, and loving my new-found freedom. That contradiction is part of my plight. I love the company of others, as long as I don’t have to wipe their nose, or cut up their food.

It seems I should be doing something constructive with my time, but not one, myself included, knows exactly what that is. Oh sure, there’s laundry, grocery shopping, more laundry, bathroom cleaning, and did I mention laundry? Who wants to do those things all day? I worked hard as a young mother to perform the aforementioned with the greatest of efficiency. Now I’m left with idle time, and it’s a little scary.

I’m looking for something a tad more exciting than watching mopped floors dry, but not nearly as time consuming as say, PTO president. My new life must take place during very specific hours. From two to ten p.m.,Monday through Friday, I’m the welcome wagon, teacher, counselor, chauffeur, academic advisor, chef, nurse, dental hygienist, confidant, disciplinarian, and accountant to three fledglings. There’s no particular order to my duties, and sleeping is generally allowed, but subject to change.

It’s a new year, and I’m searching for the elusive new me. Not new exactly, just very different from the person who entered motherhood fifteen years ago. I caught glimpses of my future self from time to time as my legs went unshaven in lieu of bedtime stories, and my wardrobe slipped into fashion past. I’m on the cusp of morphing into her, and moving on to a new phase in life.

As I near the end of the kids’ Christmas break from school, I find myself pining for some much-needed peace and quiet. Problem is, I’m all too aware that when I have empty hours in the nest, I get bored. Although the job description that goes along with the title of mother changes fairly frequently, I think I’ve mastered the skills, and can handle whatever new things come my way.

I’m taking up a few new interests, spreading my wings so to speak, and hoping I remember how to fly. Don’t mind me swooping overhead, and please enjoy a hearty laugh when I crash as I try to land gracefully. I’ll be flying around looking for myself…this could get interesting.

© 2008 Natalie Whatley

Tags: empty nest