What She Wants as an Empty Nester

Sandy's short story of the simplest dreams that will bring her the most joy.

What she wants as an empty nester isn’t glamours. When you step back and take a look as an outsider, it’s pretty basic.

It seems as if women rarely get what they want, often giving more than receiving. This good ol’ girl, Sandy from West Virginia, had experienced this all her life.

Sandy’s Story on What She Wants as an Empty Nester

Drifting from place to place and having survived abuse most of her life was taking a toll on Sandy.

She went from her divorced parents' many different homes growing up to the streets as a late teen. Then to friends' and relatives' houses, and living through 2 difficult divorces. Finally, sharing space with only her beloved child when they turned 6. Vowing to no longer take any more abuse from anyone ever again, thus making her a single mom.

But now, for the first time, Sandy finds herself in a small, cozy home, truly alone. Her teen stays with their dad for a week from time to time, giving her a taste of independence. In those quiet moments, she discovers her truth: living alone brings her so much peace.

Photo by Redd F on Unsplash

Looking toward her future, Sandy envisions the life that SHE wants once she becomes an empty nester. She dreams of living by herself near her adult child, less than a five-minute drive from her favorite grocery stores. She imagins a dwelling with a fenced backyard for dogs she doesn't have yet, a dishwasher, and a garage. Some of the things she wishes she had now.

As she sets boundaries for herself to uphold, she reflects on the gypsy type of lifestyle she was led into by others. Exhausted from years of traveling far to see family and friends, she decides that if she doesn't live near them, they will have to visit her. She is too tired to always be the one making the effort.

Determined to honor the possibilities of bringing more joy into her life, Sandy vows to create a life that reflects HER wants, needs, and desires. Grateful for what she has, she also knows she deserves better. It’s time to begin to build the life she truly wants.

Her therapist frequently reminds her that prioritizing her well-being isn't selfish; it’s necessary.

So, with tears in her eyes and a glimmer of hope in her soul, she sets out to get what she wants as an empty nester. Cherishing the few short years she has left with her teenaged child, she begins to take small steps toward her simple yet meaningful dreams, preparing for the future she envisions.

Have you asked yourself what you want lately?

*First Photo by Oleksandr P

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Lori K Today is a lifestyle publication. Reflecting on life w/ GenX humor. Sharing short stories, recipes, reviews, and my Human Design experiment.