The Empty Nest

[Connie Pombo]

Well, we did it! We sucessfully moved Jon to Cleveland, Ohio to start his new job at Brulant and we're official empty nesters.
In one day, we drove to Cleveland, Ohio (six hours), set up Jon's apartment, and drove back (six hours). Jon and I drove in a separate car and Mark and our neighbor drove the Budget Renal Van (there's a reason why they call it "Budget").

The best part of the journey was the six-hour drive with Jon at the wheel. Since I was finishing up my Moms of Sons section on the "Empty Nest," I used Jon as a sounding board and asked questions on how I did as a mom. I cried, I laughed, I snickered, dabbed away tears, and twice sat in silence ("yes," even I can remain silent when I have to). Jon shared with me things I had forgotten: the notes I left in his lunch box in grade school; the smooshed rice krispie treats that arrived in the campus mail; the shouting I would do at his tennis matches (you're supposed to be quiet!), but most of all he reminded me that my "zest for life" saw him through some of his most difficult days. Sigh.

Jon is a thinker and loves intellectual engagement, so there was plenty of that on the drive. But the multiple choice test I gave him on life made me pause for reflection. I was surprised at his favorite memory, his worst day, his most difficult course in college, and his philosophy on life (which is a great premise for a book). I learned more in six hours than I have in the past 23 years of his life.

When we stopped at a rest stop, he took my order for Starbucks and paid for it (shock!). That's when I realized he's all grown up. On the way back to the car, he opened up the door and waited until I was completely inside before closing it! Who taught him that? He even listened to my R&B CD the entire way and didn't cringe!

I pored over my notes last night -- of our conversation -- and cried "happy" tears because I realized the empty nest is really a time of new beginnings for all of us. Mark and I celebrated last night with our weekly date night at our favorite place -- McCleary's Patio. We both choked back tears a few times and decided for now that the basement (Jon's other home), will be off-limits for a while until we regain our equilibrium.

The tears are breaking into sunshine today as I reflect on the joys of the empty nest!

Living in Celebration,

[Beth Bence Reinke]

Connie,
What a blessing to have that conversation with your son as you drove. I got all choked up just reading about it. You are an inspiration!
Beth