Empty nesters
Things sure got quiet quick.
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That'll happen when your only teenage daughter moves out.
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Gone are the days of (as I called it) "the entourage," which paraded in after school or during the summer, hung out long enough for my daughter to change clothes, eat, or take a shower and then the circus left town.
It was nice at times to get to know these kids, and some were more interesting than others. Some that were more interested in my wife and I than most others. We called those our favorites.
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Some would traipse into the kitchen with nary a word and rifle through the cupboards or refrigerator. Most though were very well behaved, and had to be coaxed into taking a seat and relaxing.
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Most of them, like our daughter, are now off at college. Some are working full time and/or raising a family. One is playing hockey for the Spokane Chiefs.
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They were all intriguing in their own way, and now they're gone.
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The house is silent these days, except for a snort from the dog or a nice song from the canary. The wife has a part-time job now, leaving me to fend for myself.
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Yep - we're officially empty nesters.
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I guess I am at the age where a little peace and quiet is appreciated, but when it's forced on you all of a sudden, it really feels more like abandonment.
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I try to keep busy. Training for my competitive cycling season takes up some time, and the dog gets more walks these days as well.
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But, in the end, the echoes in the hall remain.
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No more hi-goodbyes as the daughter bops in and out on the way to some high school function or other. No more "hey dad, can you help me with this homework?" No family meals together, with the dog commanding attention underfoot.
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I find myself these days eating over the sink, watching some sport or other on the television before venturing out to the garage or the backyard for some endeavor.
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They always say, "be careful what you wish for," and they are right. It wasn't so long ago that I would say to myself, "Man, I can't wait for the day when peace and quiet returns to stay."
Little did I know that day was just around the corner.
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The other thing I am noticing is that the weeks go by in a hurry these days. 2012 is a mere memory now, along with my daughter's high school days.
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Looking on the bright side, the future lays ahead, full of hope and excitement. As I realize the one constant is change, I'll try to appreciate the here-and-now for what it is.
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Since I'm more careful what I wish for these days.
Jerry Hitchcock is a copy editor for The Press. He can be reached at 664-8176, Ext. 2017, or via email at jhitchcock@cdapress.com.