Can we pause a moment and address the truth that the term “empty nest” has a negative sound to it? Doesn’t it? When is empty a good thing? An empty tank of gas? An empty fridge? An empty wallet? Perhaps we could recover from the “empty nest syndrome” by thinking of open hands rather than an empty nest? When I open my hands to let my children go, I am in a position to open my arms to welcome new people, opportunities and adventures. One is never idle when her hands are open

It wasn’t their fault, but it felt very unfair. It would be another two years before everyone was together again. I was pouring out this story along with all my hurt as I clutched the handles of the shopping cart. 

What is the hardest act of sacrificial love that is asked of a mother? To let her children go.