What is This Feeling?
I’m feeling a little out of sorts today. It’s a feeling I can’t really describe, a strange feeling. Honestly, I’m having trouble even putting it into words.
My baby is turning thirty today.
How can this possibly be happening? Wasn’t I just teaching her how to drive her purple PT Cruiser? Weren’t we just shopping for Prom dresses, Easter dresses and back to school clothes? Weren’t we just opening the latest package from American Girl Doll, going to dance recitals and horseback riding lessons? Weren’t we just reading stories, singing songs and saying our prayers?
How did it go by so fast?
Thirty Years
On June 26, 1991, they placed a beautiful baby girl in my arms. I was thirty years old. I blinked and suddenly she is thirty years old. I am twice her age and she is half mine. This is the only time it will be so.
There’s something significant and monumental about turning thirty. You’re a real, serious adult. My girl is not a young adult any more, the twenties are gone. She’s an honest to goodness adult with a husband, a job, a mortgage, a life. It’s another shift away from me and I’m not sure how to process it.
I remember a similar feeling almost six years ago. We were sitting on the couch in her apartment going over some wedding stuff. She was frustrated with me about something, I don’t even remember what now. I remember asking her to be patient with me, that having a daughter getting married was a lot to process. I think she understood. Now, I’m trying to process the thought of being a parent of a thirty-year-old.
Processing The Milestones
Maybe that’s what being an empty nest parent is all about — processing the milestones, the changes in our families. Some of the changes are good and bring happiness. Some are just the ordinary changes in life. I’m sure there are changes ahead that will be more challenging and difficult.
But, just for today, I’m going to celebrate this milestone in my daughter’s life. Happy 30th Birthday Katelyn! I can’t believe you’re thirty. I can’t believe Dad and I are the parents of a thirty-year-old daughter. It was a pleasure raising you – I wish we could do it all again!
How about you? If you’re an empty nester, can you relate? Anyone else with their baby in their thirties? How long did it take you to get used to that? I’d love to know.
Kim Wilbanks 