One Less Egg to Fry

By Laraine Newman

My husband Chad went to New York recently to drop our oldest daughter Lena off at college. That same week, our 14-year old attended a cheer camp at UCLA for four days giving me a rare glimpse into the gaping maw of my Empty Nest Future and lemme tell ya, it was bleak.

I won't mince words. I walked around the house weeping. No kidding. I went into Lena's room and smelled her pillow and the skeletal remains of her wardrobe. Each article of clothing summoned a sweet memory that only served to drive the knife in further, launching another torrent of bawling.

"Oh, those Gladiator's from Urban Outfitters that I warned her not to wear at Coachella. But didn't we have a kick-ass time?' (Sob) "Oh, and look at this high collared floral shirt that she called "sexy secretary" when she wore it with that over-the knee pencil skir-hir-hir-hir-hirt, oh God, oh God, my ba-bee-he-he-he-he-heeeee." I just stopped short of falling to my knees, pounding my chest and bellowing "WHY, WHY?"

Why, what, you fuckin' idiot? Your kid got into the college of her choice and she's off to the biggest adventure of her life, in New York City no less. Believe me, I'm excited for her. This isn't some Grey Gardens kind of shit. I'm just lonesome for her.

I'm fully cognizant of the fact that, for the most part, I've put too many eggs in the parenting basket. Sure, I have a career, (I even have hobbies) but if I were to be completely honest, there's nothing that's given me more pleasure (and pain) than being a mom.

I remember how little time I spent thinking about or interacting with my folks once I left home. My relationship with my mother was vastly different than the one I have with my girls, but they seem to be following in my indifferent footsteps as they both mature and "separate". How dare they?!

Obviously generations before have accepted this inevitability. Did my folks suffer this much? How could they not? But they never burdened me with it. It's shameful to admit, but for me and some of my generation, my prolonged childhood hasn't gotten me to the place I'm supposed to be emotionally. I don't have the stoicism of past generations when it comes to this transition. I don't ever remember my parents facilitating the gauntlet of educating me as I have done for my kids. They were never as hands on with my homework as I am with mine. They were never subject to the oppressive schlepping I endured in supporting my children's talents and dreams. I could just take the bus. It was a different time. And going with me to see, say, Taj Mahal at The Ashgrove? Forget it. But I went with Lena to Coachella and loved it.

So, as a result, I'm not the plump, jolly, mom wiping her hand on her apron while pushing away some strands of hair that escaped my white bun. I'm not standing on the front porch, shielding my eyes from the sun with one hand, while waving with the other as my kids leave me! After I wiped their poopy asses and sang "Wheels On The Bus!"

I'm not Lindsay Lohan's mom either, mind you. It's not like I wanted to go to college with her or anything. But it feels like being dumped by a guy. "Why won't she just call?" I'd whine. Chad would say something like "because things are going well." That's probably true and I'm not so self-centered as to not be comforted by that. I bought too many plums at the Farmers Market the other day. I thought I'd send them to her, but I left a message on her cell phone asking her if she wanted me to. I never heard back. (Sigh)

Then, just the other day, she called to tell me she'd gone to a Farmer's Market that was near her dorm. She's also been calling to tell me about the restaurants she's tried. She cares!

Comments

[llisa]

It was only a short while ago that I watched my youngest crawl down off my lap and start to walk, and it seems she just kept walking on off to college and her own life.

But, now someone who had been carried into my life a short 8 months ago is pulling herself up on the couch and taking her first tentative steps--and this time I have the leisure to enjoy each step fully.

Wipe your tears. You never lose them. And they will bring you wonderful rewards.

[larry278]

Are you sure that you haven't mincing onions too? Wash your hands carefully & thoroughly; weep no more, my lady. There is life after your children become adults, become independent & live on their own.
What if your kids move back home or if they can't leave home? Some children never grow into self-suffi­cient(sp?) adults. Who cares for them when their parents are incapicated or die? There are other problems in the word. I can deal with my kids growing into self-sufficent adults.
They don't do as I did or what I'd tell them to do. They may have learned from my mistakes. They aren't repeting my mistakes. They're making their own mistakes. Maybe they are still learning on a different level. They aren't chips off the old block head.

[MerrieWay]

Who said Moms will get over the Empty nest? Miss them, love them,love yourself & grow. Yes, YOU will grow and expand your capacity - and your place in your world. Be grateful.

[noridlo]

Remember when you as a young chick first flew from the nest? Now as you watch your young chick on her (or his) first flight, do not forget, as you knew on your first flight, this is normal. The pain you feel, mixed with pride, is your growing with your young chick. Is not the ultimate goal to do exactly this? Because of, or in spite of, our efforts in the nest our young chicks take flight! This is the ultimate exhilaration, how better to know the meaning of our being?
I well remember my two sons on their first flights. Me scared? Absolutely! They? Not so much. They proved to be much more capable than I imagined. My heart swells as I think of the ability that they exhibit, and I only hope that I contributed in a meaningful way. So, please remember to congratulate (and forgive) yourself and your young chicks. Empty nest? An awesome achievement!