The Empty Nesting Stage of BFHOE Life

Disclaimer: This is only my perspective and experience. Results widely vary.

Facebook reminded me that I have not posted in my Blended Family Hell on Earth small group in a while. Which is true. So today I did a little update that said: I am here to say that empty nesting life has been glorious. Absolutely glorious. It’s unfortunate that the blended family conflict took such a hard toll for a decade, but now that the major storms have passed, married life has been solid. Most days our biggest decisions are what to have for dinner or where to take our next vacation. We spend our weekends working out, going to concerts, going to dinner, or spending time with friends or family (our local adult son and his roommate).

We have reached the season of life where the adult kids each live their own lives (and they don’t check in with us for advice or permission very often), and likewise we live our own life and don’t seek validation or approval from the adult kids. This season has also given me perspective and hindsight. Of course there are a million little things I would have done differently had I known then what I know now, but I didn’t so it’s pointless to recap them. Simply put, I am very thankful for this season of life and that somehow (God’s grace I am sure) we still enjoy each other’s company and love each other. The bitterness and resentment from years past seem to have dissolved like sugar in hot tea. Our time together feels enjoyable and purposeful. We even bought matching TShirts for Oktoberfest and matching costumes for an upcoming party. What a vast difference and improvement from the past 5 years. So cheers to having fun again and living this season of life to the fullest. There are only about 10 years remaining until Hubster is looking to retire and we intend to make them the best 10 we have had yet.

Coffee cheers your way.