Empty Nest.

[Mitsy]

Pray about it and God will bring you the solution that is right for you.

Kids leaving is a loss that requires a grieving process and your wife & you will have to go through.

God is with you and just keep in His Word and place it before the Lord. God will help you both through this time.

[Acts5:41]

When my medication levels are off, I tend to get "bite-ey".

If you think it's getting bad, you can always mention depression to her doctor. A lot of antidepressants can help with mobility issues, too.

Just a thought.

[Wally]

God is with you and just keep in His Word and place it before the Lord. God will help you both through this time.

In His Word [in His presence] is the best place to be. Definately we both are.





As for depression meds - tried - failed - they were very bad. Might as well use LSD.
We don't go there any more. I suspect it was the interaction with the pain med she needs from time to time.

God's Love and patience have been more effective.

[Acts5:41]

Oooh.

Yeah, they don't work for everyone.

In fact, after taking the most common type for 3 years, I developed a sudden allergy that almost killed me.

I'll be praying.

[Leigh]

Wally, by asking this question you are causing all the women to smile…

Mothers’ hearts are so intertwined with those of our children that we feel the slightest high or low, and it becomes our high or low. I’ve noticed many times that my husband can keep the big picture in mind while I am lost in the problem of the moment. We are certainly created differently, and for you to want to see your wife’s perspective shows much love and wisdom.

I think that a Christian woman gives her heart to the Lord, then to her husband. When the children are born, that overwhelming love takes over, and because a baby’s needs are so much greater, that is primary for a good while. So, speaking personally here, I think that you can minister to your wife by reminding her in your actions that the two of you are still “you.” You’re still that couple you have always been, and the things that made you laugh together and enjoy each other are still there underneath all the layers of life.

Pain is awful. I know that will greatly affect anything you want to do. I’m sure you’ve probably asked your wife, in times when she is not in pain, how you can best care for her during those times. During certain times I’ve needed my husband to pray over me, then bring a snack on a plate and watch an episode of Monk together. Laughter changes everything! Little surprises make you feel thought about and loved.

She needs hope that this new era in life can still be worthwhile, and that she’s not permanently losing her children. I will say this from the depths of my heart -- the one thing that brings me hope like no other is when my husband reads the Word out loud to me. We’ve been through some times where things were so dark that if I didn’t get a second ‘infusion’ of this each day I would sink into depression very quickly. It made all the difference, as the Holy Spirit would be the One encouraging and ministering to our hearts.

We have two grown sons now, and one still in the nest. I've always asked myself "What does my ministry to this son look like now?" This helps me to adjust my focus and see that there are always things I can do that are supportive and appreciated at each stage of their lives.

My mother’s heart has always hoped that, if our sons did have to move far away, we could buy a small RV like a Rialto or something similar, so that we could travel in comfort to see them, and bring our own spare room so we wouldn’t be any trouble (while enjoying other places on the way). Obviously this takes funds to purchase, and also your wife would have to be physically able to travel in that manner.

Just my little thoughts on the matter. You are an admirable man. I’ll be praying for you!

I wanted to say how much this post blessed me, as a mother of two sons myself, the oldest now 18. (I cried just reading through this thread!)

[JoyJoyJoy]

Wally, does DBW have any interest in computer forums, like this one?? For me, when I sit down with my laptop, I am sometimes amazed at how time flies. I will start to look something up, the next thing I know 2 hours have past. Would that be something she could enjoy?

[Wally]

DBW is doing better lately. She gets her morning Bible-Time, and her pain cycles are letting up a bit.
She still has some chronic maladays but they appear to be slowly clearing up.

DS is doing much better since I took over accountibility for his homeschooling. (This has also taken a chunk of stress off DBW)
We've had a tense moment or two when I said no to a couple things but DS seems more positive about school, and getting his work done.
He responds well to rewards. I just have to be careful not to reward what is his expected duty.


DD1 is still trying to find a house. DD2 will be finishing college year 1 in early May.

The weather change has helped DBW as she can get out more. Thanks for all the prayers.

[Mommytoa3rdgradeboy]

Thankful that things are starting to look up for your wife, and your whole family, it seems. Praying for continuance of improvement. The weather makes a HUGE difference in my Mom. There is a such thing as Seasonal Depression, or something to that effect.

[BelovedChild]

Encourage you DBW to be thankful for the growth of the children, who are going out to start their new lives just like you both did.

You are gaining a new son, in time possibly grandchildren. Your son will probably be in and out of home during holidays. Your other daughter will probably pay visits home. Please look forward. Be grateful your children are alive and healthy.

We had our first family celebration today since the death of our second daughter last Christmas. It was DS2 coming of age party. Our SIL and two grandchildren (from DD2) were there but she wasn't. Hubby and I have to look forward for the sake of our other children.

[BevS]

I was divorce mother of 2 sons- they were a real handful. When they moved out i did the "happy dance" I enjoyed the empty nest Raising kids were/are hard work. But the "happy dance" didn't last too long. they both moved back in. Joel (youngest) is now in OK. Josh now back in.