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The Last Thing He Said to Me Was, “I’m Ok Mom, I Love You Too:” Mom Warns Parents After Son’s Tragic Death

"Kids are DYING, and people are too afraid to be honest even in obituaries...Please use my son’s story. Please help me warn parents this is out there. Please, please, please. It’s all I can do now."

Postal Worker Saves 6-Year-Old Girl in a Car After Her Mom Had Passed Out From a Fentanyl Overdose

What USPS mail carrier, Andrew Russell, humbly calls, "just...

Embracing Change: Navigating the Five Stages of Empty Nest Syndrome

Stage 4: Rejuvenation and Rediscovery

Rejuvenation is characterized by renewed energy and enthusiasm for life. Parents begin to rediscover old hobbies and interests that were set aside during their parenting years. They might take up new activities, travel, or delve into projects that were previously on hold.

This stage is about rediscovering oneself outside the parenting role. It’s a time for exploration, learning, and growth. Parents might embark on new educational paths, develop new skills, or pursue passions they had deferred. This period can be one of the most liberating and exciting phases of empty nest syndrome.

Stage 5: Redirection and Purpose

Finally, the redirection stage involves finding new purposes and engaging in fulfilling activities. This could mean volunteering, mentoring, returning to the workforce, or even starting a new business. For many, this stage is about giving back, sharing knowledge, and making a difference in others’ lives.

Parents may also find new ways to connect with their adult children, establishing relationships that are less about dependency and more about mutual respect and friendship. This redefined relationship can bring a sense of continuity and a new dimension to their lives.

Navigating the Empty Nest with Grace

Empty nest syndrome, while challenging, is a natural and manageable phase of life. By understanding its stages—grief, relief, acceptance, rejuvenation, and redirection—parents can navigate this transition more smoothly. Embracing each stage with openness and self-compassion can transform this period from one of loss to one of opportunity and growth.

Life after children leave home can be rich and fulfilling. It offers a chance to reconnect with oneself and one’s partner, explore new interests, and contribute to the community in meaningful ways. With the right mindset and support, the empty nest phase can be a period of profound personal development and joy.

Staff
Staff
FaithIt staff contributed to this article.

The Last Thing He Said to Me Was, “I’m Ok Mom, I Love You Too:” Mom Warns Parents After Son’s Tragic Death

"Kids are DYING, and people are too afraid to be honest even in obituaries...Please use my son’s story. Please help me warn parents this is out there. Please, please, please. It’s all I can do now."

Postal Worker Saves 6-Year-Old Girl in a Car After Her Mom Had Passed Out From a Fentanyl Overdose

What USPS mail carrier, Andrew Russell, humbly calls, "just the right place at the right time," many are calling a heroic act. On a...

Man Handing Out Money at a Waffle House is Carrying Out His Mother’s Last Words, “Love Every One”

A series of events at the Waffle House have gone viral recently, and this summer, the attention is on one man handing out money...