Empty Nest, New Horizons
There’s a moment every parent knows is coming but never feels quite prepared for—the day your children truly leave the nest. For us, it happened in two waves: our daughter graduated college and relocated to California, and at the same time, our son left for first year in college.
After years of a bustling home, the sudden quiet felt like an entirely new chapter. It was bittersweet—part pride, part freedom, part “what now?”
Planting Roots for Stability
When we moved from Bermuda to Freehold back in 2010, it was intentional. We wanted stability for our kids during their formative years—a safe, grounded place to grow. And it worked. Both kids are thriving in their own worlds now. Shea is growing her reputation as an innovative illustrator and Chase is studying engineering with hopes of becoming an inventor.
But once they were launched, I realized something important: the stability we gave them also freed us. With the nest empty, we now had space to explore again.
The Unexpected Doorway
Right on cue, we sold our family home and found ourselves in a winter rental—comfortable but temporary. Then, a surprise opportunity came: an invitation to spend the summer in Grenada. What began as a possibility quickly became the opening we didn’t know we were waiting for. The island offered more than ocean views and palm trees—it gave us the chance to rediscover who we are as a couple, as a family, and as individuals stepping into this new season.
What I Learned About the Empty Nest
1. Home is energy, not walls. Grenada reminded me that abundance is found in presence, laughter, and shared moments—not square footage.
2. Transitions create freedom. With both kids thriving on their own paths, we’re free to create new adventures instead of clinging to old routines.
3. The stars confirm the timing. With Jupiter moving into Gemini, expansion is the theme. For me, expansion showed up as deeper family bonds and courage to step into the unknown.
The Horizon Ahead
Here’s what I now know:
Empty nest doesn’t mean empty life.
It’s a horizon—wide open for new dreams, new adventures, and new ways of being at home in yourself.
Reflection for You:
If you’re navigating an empty nest—or any major life transition—ask yourself:
What does home mean to me in this season?
Where am I being invited to expand?
What new horizons am I ready to step into?
Because sometimes the most unexpected shifts lead us to the most abundant chapters.
