You know, the last couple months have been some of the hardest of my life. I hate even admitting that because perfectionists don't admit weakness easily but it's true. Leaving our last child in the States and returning home to an empty house has been one of the hardest things I've ever done. I thought it was going to be easy. I figured it would be like being newlyweds again. In my mind it meant lots of things; freedom, leisure, free time, Oreos that last longer than an hour, but I didn't realize how much loneliness would fit into the whole scenario. I didn't realize that being a mom for 23 years was going to be such a hard habit to break. Sure, I'm still a mother but with kids that live 5700 miles away my duties have been seriously diminished.
So my hero through this whole ordeal has been my sweet husband Johnny. I can't even begin to express what this man means to me. (Hey I know this is mushy but it's true.) No one knows me like he does. He knows me better than I know me. When I am feeling rather useless and unneeded he's always there and knows before I do. He really is (after Jesus) the best thing that's ever happened to me.
Oh yea and I'm linking up with Lori over at Frog's Lilypad for Thankful Thursday.
Too sweet. 😍
ReplyDeleteSo precious. I love my husband...but he really doesn't know me even after close to 40 years of marriage. I'm envious...but so happy for you.
ReplyDeleteAwwwww, gushy gushy! Lol I can't imagine what it will be like to go from being commander 24/7 while my kids are doing school during the day to nada once they are out of here! Does your husband let you boss him occasionally, just so you feel better? LOL Jk
ReplyDeleteStaci, you want to know the truth? It's gushy too. I don't need to boss him. He's pretty thoughtful and there's usually nothing that needs to be done that he doesn't do on his own. I'm so stinkin' spoiled!
DeleteGod bless hubbies!
ReplyDeleteAwww...I can't imagine how that empty nest feels. Praise the Lord for uniting you with the person He designed to be your perfect fit. :)
ReplyDeleteTori, I was just thinking about what it is going to be like when Jamie is gone. I'm going to be lost! I won't know what to with myself. I'm so happy you have a husband who understands and encourages you. Thank you for linking up with Thankful Thursdays.
ReplyDeleteYou have touched my heart, Tori....thank you. I know kind of what your feeling (well.... no, not really, but being a mom whose now 18 year old went to college at 16 and got put on academic probation--I certainty can relate--although he stills live at home and is going to an area community college now). Bless you sweet friend...I wish I could say or do something to make you feel better...I will keep you in prayer. Blessings
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda. It's true, life's about growing and changing but sometimes those growing pangs are unpleasant. Thanks for the kind words.
DeleteLove this! The "empty nest" is very hard to adjust to (I am still working on it), but it helps so much to have a good hubby.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Aimee
Tori, I hate to admit it but I LOVED the empty nest. Of course my kiddos were near by and I could see them when I wanted to so that does make a difference. I do know that when my youngest went to China to teach English, I did have thoughts of panic...what if something happens to him over there??? I realized that I could pray and trust which was hard for me because I am a take charge person and I had no power over that situation. I learned a lot. I will pray for you and Johnny as you adjust to new circumstances. I can tell that you have a wonderful marriage and with the empty nest you can really enjoy each other.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet treasure he sounds like! Cute pic!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and smiles,
Lori
How sweet! There is no finer picture of heaven on Earth than a happy family. :)
ReplyDeleteTori, I certainly can understand that feeling! I felt so empty when my last child left the nest. He wasn't far away but still - not where he used to be. I'm glad that you and are husband are supporting each other in all this.
ReplyDeleteTori, I left Blogland for awhile but I've started a new blog http://melaniejocook.blogspot.com
I'd love for you to come visit. God bless.
A lovely tribute to someone so dear and beloved. Gush away!
ReplyDeleteTori, this is such a sweet post! What a blessing that your hubby is helping you in this time of adjustment.
ReplyDeleteAnd adjustment it is! I have not yet experienced an empty nest (my children range in age from 14 to 35!), but there certainly was a period of adjustment when each of my older two got married and left the nest. Although I was delighted to see them happy and moving forward in their lives, there was a period of grieving what had passed. It is a season. And don't even ask me about the time that my then 16-year-old spent the summer with my son and his family! It was an idea that sounded like a grand opportunity for her in February, but in June...a totally different story!
Now, off to read the modesty article that you linked...
I love this post and your transparent heart. Changing and adapting is always hard and how perfect that you and your beloved can walk this together.
ReplyDelete