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I Still Do!

The Empty Nest

By Audrey Carli

Our home’s empty-nest silence enveloped me like a giant fist. The chill reminded me that our youngest daughter’s entry into college had sent icy gloom over our once lively family. I longed for the hectic days of the past. Although I had been buried under dirty dishes and housework, I would welcome both again if I could only go back in time!

My thoughts jarred with the rumbling thunder outside. Clinging to my chilly loneliness, I climbed the creaky attic steps and dug into the boxes holding our four grown children’s childhood souvenirs. Pulling out baby clothes, tiny white shoes and paint-stained kindergarten aprons, my gloom lifted. I looked at the four first-day-of-school crayon drawings with each house aglow from the yellow sun above each roof. Every treasure I found in those boxes erased my sadness, whirling me into memories of the past.

I remembered diapers, baby’s first smiles, dandelion bouquets clutched in little hands, dirty floors, spilled marbles, skinned knees and loving hugs. I found priceless handmade cards for Mother’s and Father’s Day, report cards, albums, and scrapbooks that held programs from band concerts. I closed my eyes, remembering rushing to school events, delivering Easter baskets to grandparents and hearing the classic words on every vacation: “Are we there yet?” I remembered the times my kitchen smelled like pancakes, hamburgers or cinnamon rolls. I remembered the late nights we spent discussing teenage dilemmas and soothing broken hearts.

The memories faded as the sun came from behind a cloud and the rain stopped. Not only had the storm passed, but my time spent in the attic had brightened my heart. I was blessed with beautiful memories and hope for the future. My husband and I had each other. We enjoyed nature hikes, shared quiet meals and spent cozy evenings like we had just after we were married. Peace filled our home and loving communication preserved our ties to our children, despite the miles that separated us. I understood the truth of the psalmist’s words: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

AUDREY CARLI writes inspirational articles and books. The mother of a son and three daughters, Audrey spends her leisure time reading and hiking.