ALMOST An 'Empty-Nester'...

Well...it's official; I have, ALMOST, arrived at the phase of my life referred to as the 'Empty-Nest Syndrome', as, son, 'Numero Deuce' has, 'left the building, so to speak. It's weird, I must, admit; I've 'been here', before; although, I knew, at the time, that it was a 'temporary-condition', and, that I'd be a full-time Mom, once, all was 'said and done', after a point. Today, it is, quite, a different, experience. As aforementioned, I'm, only, 'ALMOST', there, as I, still, have a son at home; Yet, he's here, so, seldom, as to feel as if he's already left for good. And, at this stage of my grown-son's lives, when they 'leave the nest' one can only imagine that they'll stay 'gone for good'. However, this cannot become a 'foregone-conclusion', especially, in this 'day and age'. With the cost of EVERYTHING being 'through the roof' especially, the cost of rentals, here in our, own, Lil' Rhody, it's, much, more, commonplace, for some 'birds', once they've 'flown the coop', to return to the nest, if and when things don't 'work out', with their new, independent, lives. I am a pragmatist, as well as a realist, with a whole lotta 'idealist' thrown in. Yes...it would be wonderful if, once they've left, they return, only for visits and Holiday celebration(s), as this would indicate their 'success' at surviving out in the world. This being stated, I know, all too well, the challenges that they will face, 'out there'. My sons are fighters, and, survivors, and, I know in my 'heart of hearts' that they will work hard at maintaining the lives they build outside of the home I've provided them, over the course of their lives. They know, as well, that if they EVER need to return, for whatever reason(s), which may 'crop up', they ALWAYS have a place to 'hang their hats', here, in my 'quasi-Empty-Nest. Perhaps, I'll 'rethink' the renovations to the unoccupied bedrooms! Just Sayin'...