I May Never Be an Empty Nester

The following post was written by Rick Law, an attorney who deals with estate planning, medicaid assistance and disability law.

"My wife and I have almost reached the empty-nester stage. We look forward to that event with excitement, and a little anxiety too. We have raised four children, ranging in age from 32 to 17. After such a long run in parenting minors, it’s time to move on to that more senior stage referred to as being an empty-nester.

Not everyone becomes an empty-nester. And although we sometimes joke about the child who 'failed to launch' due to the inability to get a career, there’s another group of parents who will never know the joy of seeing their child be fully self-supporting. In my office it is not uncommon for me to sit across the table from an 83 year old parent who is still the primary caregiver for a child who is chronically disabled."
                                                                                                        
When I read the last sentence of this article, I cried.

I cried because I was led to believe by medical "professionals" that my son wouldn't live long.

I cried because somewhere in my heart I held hope that one day I would have a somewhat "normal" life. 

I cried because I don't want to continue sleeping with a baby monitor in case Cody has a seizure during the night.

I cried because my friends are all becoming the aforementioned "empty nesters" and I'm still dealing with a child who is completely dependent on me.   

I cried because Cody realized I was crying and, being the sweet spirit that he is, said "Are you doing okay? I hate it when you have a cold."

I cried because I feel guilty for thinking selfishly.


Tomorrow is Cody's 30th birthday. Tomorrow I will be cheerful and focus on the blessing Cody has been in my life.

But today, I cry.


To read Rick's article in its entirety, click on the following link...
83 Years Old and Never an Empty-Nester