The Band Plays On: Beyond the Empty Nest

For those of us who struggle to keep singing after the kids are grown and gone.

Photo by Milan Popovic on Unsplash

Music danced in my head for 20+ years.

Melodies swirled in my mind and swept me off my feet while song lyrics filled my home and fed my soul.

The familiar tracks varied from year to year.

• Babies crying.
• Siblings fighting.
• Crowds roaring and friends calling.

Gradually and without warning, the music faded. The musicians peeled away, until one by one they disappeared for good.

• To blaze their own trails.
• Stake their own claims.
• Live their own lives and create their own music.

The voices whisper from a distance — sometimes so faint I can barely hear it anymore.

I still listen for it. Keep my ears to the ground and wait for those faraway songs to include me, to invite me back in.

• A phone call.
• A visit.
• Thank, God for holiday gatherings.

The slightest connection fills me up and renews my energy to days gone by — to when my house resonated with joy and laughter.