Willie and No Empty Nesting

Articles from Boomer Magazine in Richmond, VA

Willie and No Empty Nesting

Written by Lori Ross

Tuesday, 23 February 2010 13:10

How many of you are seeing your last child go away from home - whether to the military, or college, or just leaving? I'm one of your kind. I'm choosing not to be an empty nester as much as just on a normal path of change that offers a different and newfound freedom. The word “empty” sounds so unfulfilled and who wants to be unfulfilled? I want my life to be fulfilling and change all throughout life. Regarding losing my son living at home, I'm thankful for the technology that will keep us close from a distance. We text and communicate with each other so easily and that will let us all stay together when he's off and running life on his own.

I think about and plan for what life will bring when a lot of the time spent in raising kids can go in other directions. Right now I'm just exploring the possibilities. One way I'm exploring is nightlife and live music options and finding out what's out there. Last week we saw Willie Nelson and his young, very cute son Lucas perform live at The National. We saw Willie from about 15 feet away, and he was awesome. I don't mean awesome in a light, superficial way. I've been to lots of concerts in large arenas with laser lights, dot-sized performers and big screens. This was awesome like being at a big party where Willie was singing and everybody was just having a great time. My friend Vicki caught the first autographed hat Willie threw out to the audience and later loved getting Lucas's autograph and picture - it was the icing on the cake.

Rumor has it that Willie's in his eighties. Rumor also has it that Willie did a whole lot of living in those years. Rumor is he's had highs and lows, but he got to “make music with his friends” the whole way through. The fact is his voice is still beautiful and strong, and so was his guitar playing and performing on stage. Message I take from him is having a full life at all ages is the key to worthwhile longevity ... and I bet Willie Nelson never thought of himself as an “empty nester.” And there will be no “empty” nesting for me.

If you have favorite local places you love, please share. There are a lot of us ready to explore again.