Have you ever had your own story about empty nest syndrome? My kids are at my mother’s for spring break this week. We left them Saturday and we’re already feeling the pangs of separation anxiety. We try to only call and talk with them once a day to avoid the “When are you coming to get us” questions and feelings of guilt. We usually start out thinking it’s going to be so nice to have a week to ourselves, but we always get the blues after a couple of days. As much as we talk about wanting a break to be by ourselves, once we get it, we realize that life just isn’t the same without them.

We always end up getting them something nice like a new DVD they’ve wanted or a game for their gaming system as a welcome home present. They’ve gotten to the place where they start looking for it when they get home. I think this time I’ll forgo the gift and say the reward is being back home with your mother and father.

My parents are wonderful grandparents and I’m extremely grateful that they’re both still around to have such an active part and influence in their lives. I know my parents enjoy having them when they can. I also know that they, like countless other grandparents, enjoy the fact that they can send them back when it’s time.

My husband and I never talk openly about it to each other, possibly so we can avoid the inevitable breakdown to tears that would come. Or is it to avoid dealing with the fact that we’ve lost so much of ourselves as a couple due to how much of our lives revolves around our kids? We love them and spoil them too, to an extent. But is this the way it’s really supposed to be?

Holla back!

I remember years ago when it was being said, by the year blah blah blah, you would need a degree to work at Target! Although we have surpassed whatever year they were speaking about, I’m sure we are not actually there yet. Many, including myself, believe some form of higher education should be something we all aspire to. Whether technical school, specific training for a particular job, college, etc., I think education, past the point of the 12 years required of us, gives us a special edge and makes us more marketable. Or does it? Can simple hard work with no form of higher education get you to the top? That is always the question isn’t it! No matter how far you go up the ladder and succeed without the higher education, could you have gone higher with it?

Statistics say having a master’s degree will earn you $25,000 more a year than having a bachelor’s degree. Wow. Although I have some higher education, there are instances and individuals that make me question whether any form of higher education is really necessary! My daughter is one of them!

Today my daughter shared with me that she did so well at her job in 2008 that she entered into what is called the winner’s circle. Only 20 people in the entire region of Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky made it! She was one! This achievement won her an all expense paid trip for two and special recognition at a honorary ceremony. And she doesn’t have a degree!

She started in September of 2006 as a part time customer service representative as an hourly employee. In June of 2007 she was promoted to full time customer service representative. Then in March of 2008 she was promoted to full time sales representative with commission. That is where the break came! She focused, worked hard and accomplished something great! Now maybe her line of work came easy to her and maybe she walked into her destiny. As her mother, I would still love to see her go back and finish the degree she started. In my opinion, at that point, the sky is the limit!

I know what you are going to say, college and a college degree isn’t for everyone. I have heard it soooo many times, especially from those who don’t want to buckle down and discipline themselves enough to get it. And for some, I know that is true and I agree. I didn’t say college only; I said some form of higher education. I am interested to see what you have to say on this subject but first, help in saying congratulations to Kourtney! As she herself said, to God be the Glory!

Holla back!