hausting infant and child. We’re both ex- tremely headstrong and need to be in charge. I never expected a baby to already try to assert it’s independence and dominance, but I’m here to tell you, they can! It was unlikely for me to get so attached to him, but I did and am. We’ve been through a lot of changes, adjust- ments and some major traumas together. He’s a trooper and a survivor. He’s brilliant, cre- ative, considerate, sincere, devoted, driven, talented, capable, sweet and the funniest, most witty person I know. I cannot count how many times I told


him I understood that it seemed like forever, but that one day the right girl would see what I see. Well, I was right, of course. Four days ago, for the first time in our almost 24 years to- gether, he flew the coop with said girl. I envisioned the whole empty nest thing


being a big problem, when I wasn’t at my wit’s end and tempted to push him out. I don’t think we can really prepare emotionally. I tried to focus on things like gaining a guest room, more space for my clothes, art/craft supplies, office space, etc. I also told myself he’s close by, not halfway around the world. I planned my expansion, with visions of


grandeur. We helped him move, so little by lit- tle his things got packed up and taken away. I tried to be strong. I was, and then I wasn’t, and then I was again. We’ve been to his apartment. We had a


little shopping and dining excursion, which felt odd, but very nice in a way. I told him about my struggle and sadness and he was sweet and reassuring. But, now his room has lost its soul. The bedroom furniture he and his brother shared, and he has used for the past 15 years is still there, but his extensive collections of various items and memorabilia, or what he liked to call his “train museum,” clothes, clut- ter, Xbox, pictures, all gone. Most of all, his energy, physical self and my daily hugs are gone too. Sure he’s only about two miles away and can walk through the woods/park to get here. He’s coming over for our first dinner since he moved out, tonight. We text and talk


and we have spent time together, but if you’ve gone through the “empty nest syndrome” you know what I mean. I walk by the room and cry. It’s just not the same. And no, well mean- ing friends, it is not a comfort knowing that I “raised him right and he’s going off to live his life.” Sure, I’m grateful and relieved that both my boys are motivated, self-directed, accom- plished, capable and all that. But I miss them! I didn’t think my older son would stay


home forever, but I often thought that it might be ok if he wanted to. An unattached apart- ment would be ideal. Of course I want what’s best for him and I want him to feel free to fly. I don’t want to clip his wings, but this is tough. The good news is I’ve already gone through a lot of the adjustment of finding who I was after being immersed in stay-at-home-mom world. My radio show and radio station fill a lot of my time, thank goodness. And it’s fulfill- ing work for sure. Lately we have been keenly focused on preparing for our live broadcast of the Tom Petty Birthday Bash in two weeks. That has been a blessing on several levels. I’ve been able to divert some of my attention from the impending upset, just by keeping busy. I am providing home care for a very in-


teresting, funny and sweet client that I really like. He is a very accomplished, retired history professor. I get out of the house and spend time with him as a friend, not just a client. It’s rewarding to help him. He still wants to teach and I want to learn. I find keeping busy with meaningful


pursuits to be the key to keeping my head above water. Enjoying something that requires time, energy and focus is a life saver for those of us who tend to suffer from anxiety and sink into depression. I also find that having a lov- ing and supportive partner is mandatory for me. My husband is my best friend/biggest cheerleader/rock and business partner. If not for him, I wouldn’t have lived to tell my tale. Not everyone is so fortunate, and that


makes me sad. On Rockin’ Your Health I often talk about volunteering or joining a group where you can meet other people interested in


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