Chicken Soup for the Soul Empty Nesters, by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Carol McAdoo Rehme,and Patricia Cena Evans, is exactly what it sounds like: a collection of short stories, poems, and whatnot that talk about life after children leave the house and start their own lives.
So what does the typical parent go through? It depends on the individual. Sometimes there is heartbreak: one can no longer be responsible for the actions of an offspring. Relief might come into play as the young adult is finally leaving the house. Many parents find themselves starting completely over on a fresh journey of their own.
For Rehme, this book is stories that she can easily relate to. As a mother of four who flew the coop and started families, she is well experienced in the empty nest syndrome. Evans also understands this topic. She is a midwife by profession, as well as a mentor to other women.
Wisely, the tales are taken from all sides. Those who had a child (or several) show just what being newly independent means. Offspring give readers some glimpses inside a college dorm room or what happens after a relationship moves one into the realm of moving on.
"My Nice Surprise", authored by Cheryl Pierson, recalls a time when her daughter is three. Jessica gets a new baby brother, and mom agrees to get her a gift when she buys him clothes. Suffice it to say Mom does not exactly plan on meeting Jessica's adopted buddy Simon that day, nor would she anticipate the effect he would have on their lives by the time Jessica is ready to move out.
"Send Cookies" from Jean Davidson shows a different kind of leaving. Jean's baby, now a teenager, informs his parents he wishes to join the military. The change he goes through to become a man is much further than any dream anybody could have for him.
"The Christmas Rose" and "Coming Home" are two sides of the same story. Keith Kilby has issues with illegal substances. Karen R. Kilby, Keith's mother, sees the trouble he's in and knows he is the only person who can get him on the path to redemption.
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