Bittersweet Monday: Empty nest central

collegeWell, dear Posse folks, it’s finally happened: The empty nest has arrived. We moved our son to college, into the dorm last weekend. He’s only 1 1/2 to 2 hours away, but we’re feeling bittersweet, as you can imagine. It’s been nearly 19 years since it’s just been the two of us, and the house feels so empty and quiet. Of course, some peace and quiet is good (I have to admit we’re not missing the teenage drama and angst).

He’s adjusting fairly well, all things considered. He was able to exempt a class or two early in his first week, which was great, but it upended his schedule and caused some confusion. Which is especially difficult when you’re already having to adjust to a roommate in a small space, completely new surroundings, and just being away from home, in general. But he’s being a trooper, and we’re hoping that next week things will settle down to some sense of normalcy for him.

So fragrance-wise, I’ve been all over the place. L’Artisan’s Seville was good for a sweet, yet bitter, vibe; Chanel’s crisp 1957 gave me a much-needed dose of “snap out of it and get on with it,” and Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom helped uplift me and boost my spirits a bit when I started to feel a little blue.

What do you wear when you’re dragging emotionally, feeling melancholy or having to deal with major change? Any of you empty-nesters have any tips to share with us newbies? Thanks, everyone, and have a great week!

  • Dina C. says:

    I have several friends going through this too. The Michael Buble song “Forever Now” is an emotional killer — don’t go to YouTube and watch it without an entire box of Kleenex. It’s a musical ode to loving a child for a lifetime. My son is going to college locally and living with other young people, and my daughter is living at home while going to cosmetology school, so I’ve been spared the big good-bye. Which is good, because I’m emotionally very sensitive. Prayers for all the sweet moms and dads feeling lonely this week.

  • jen says:

    I’m a boomer, so we just dropped her off and went on our merry way. She joined a sorority and loved college.

  • Portia says:

    WOW Ann,
    That must be major. I know it happens to families all the time but even having our niece and nephew leave after less than a month with us and the house felt empty and too quiet. 19 years, it has become the norm, right?
    Have you planned any reconnect time with your spouse? Are you guys going to do anything special now that you’re free-ish?
    Portia xx

  • roseyposeyleo says:

    As I told all my friends, ” I cried all the way home after dropping our first born off at college.” From then on, I cried when she came home! They are all grown women now, 53, 52, and 47. They all live out of state and I so enjoy our visits, which I make at least 4 times a year. Life does give you beautiful gifts. Just wait and see.

  • Kathleen says:

    Sending best wishes to all of you during this time of adjustment and change. Perfume is definitely an emotional comfort, I have too many to mention that I reach for. Many of my Chanels; I have so many scent memories and history with them, they never fail to comfort me.

  • Maggiecat says:

    When I, a devoted single mom, found my nest empty, I started dating again – and got happily remarried about three years later. So…there’s that…?

  • Brigitte says:

    My third and last child was dropped off yesterday. By number three you would think I would be a pro but I slept less than three hours last night worrying about him. My eldest has been texting him and tells me he is fine. Time for me to let go and enjoy the quiet house. And for the first time in 22 years I can focus on me! Yesterday I wore a homemade vanilla oil. Today Kilian Love. Tomorrow maybe Vrai Blonde. Taking comfort in sweet. Good luck to your son!!