Looking for a new nest

My husband and I are house hunting, as I have mentioned before. I had absolutely, positively made up my mind to stay in the cold, rainy valley of my upbringing. He wanted to be in the nearby high desert town that bears a resemblance to Aspen. But, he said, you ultimately have the say, meaning me.

Well, at this point, we are looking for homes in that ski resort town in the mountains. I know.

It's not that I don't like the town; I love it. As a newly wed couple, we had moved to that very town and lived there for over two years before family responsibility to George's aging parents called us back to the valley. It's just that I am afraid I will see my kids a lot less if we move there.

The real estate selections are newer, grander, more numerous, and a better value. George will be retired soon, and I can go where I want. Nurse work, especially for a critical care nurse, is everywhere. So, I have no reason to not want to go. Except for my kids.

'Well, hell', George says (he talks like that), 'the kids don't even know where they're gonna be in a couple years, and they can hop a flight from anywhere'.

Me: 'Um, yeah, I know, but what if they don't?'

Him: 'Then they'll miss out on some good times and some good meals...'

See how simple being an empty nest dad is?

Anyway, it is strange looking at homes with the idea that we are just a couple now, not a family of five with active kids who need their space. Of course, the house will be large enough to accommodate visits from them, but I really don't know if any one of them will ever live under our roof again. And that is so strange to me, to know that they don't consider their home with us any longer. After all we have been through, it is down to just us two, me and George.

It is the natural way of things. It is gratifying to watch the ones we have prepared make a success of their lives in the real world. It is just, I don't know, so soon, I guess.

I'm telling you, if you have kids at home, don't wish them older or gone. Get down and roll in your parenthood and the proximity to them. Make it count. Take it from me, it goes by fast. Too fast.

Before you know it, you're looking for a new nest for just two.