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Got to teach my son how to do laundry.
And how to cook.
He knows how to make PanOreos.
That’s an Oreo dipped in pancake batter.
But man can not live by PanOreos alone.
Speaking of alone.
We’re going to be empty nesters.
Hate that phrase.
How about Free birds?
The nest wasn’t that crowded anyway.
We only have one kid.
But there have been lots of kids.
In and out of the house and the refrigerator.
And plenty of Mending Kids.
Kids from El Salvador to Ethiopia have stayed with us.
Then there’s the dog, the cat and the turtle.
The pets will stay in the nest.
I recently asked my Mom what it was like when my sisters and I left.
She said…
Well, I had the cat.
My dog is going to be an emotional wreck.
Then there’s me…
We’re in the middle of prom and graduation.
All happy.
All making me teary.
I’m going to have to do something drastic.
Like maybe go back to work.
Having said that…
Getting fired was the best thing that ever happened to me.
I don’t say this flippantly.
It was.
My job was great.
I got to do a TV show.
Then go about my day.
Never missed a field trip.
Even if I showed up in full makeup.
Moms were like…
Who’s the chick with the false eyelashes?
Then I got fired.
Now I call that…
The gift of goodbye.
I slept in.
Til 6:20 anyway.
Got to wake up my kid.
Make breakfast.
Drive him to school.
Then he drove me.
Then he drove off without me.
Got to be home every morning of High School.
And every morning I say…
“Go save the world”.
This morning he said…
“Why do you say that?
You sound like a Disney movie.”
I said…
If this was a Disney movie I’d be dead.
They always kill the mother.
I’m not trying to be Disney Dorothy.
Or flippant
I want him to know he can do little things to make the world a little better.
I hope he will.
And I hope to do more of that when I’m a free bird.
That or move to Italy.
To write.
And drink wine and coffee all day.
I’ll find a way to feather the nest.
That f-ing empty nest.
I’m getting ready to give my son the gift of goodbye.
He’s ready.
We’re not.
We’ll miss that boy when he goes to college.
Miss the attitude.
The eye rolling.
Even the laundry…
You could give me one of your kids.
Xo
DL
dear DOROTHY, I know the feeling too well, and it was very touching for me., however it helps to know that you will be able to speak or see him whenever, more importantly that he will be happy, and happily occupied. with the great feeling of not having nagging parents around. my best wishes and love to that handsome MAN…….and for you, you can always join me at the sr.center if bored. love………
You have more adventures than any of us!
Xo
DL
I am a free bird 1 year in making! You will survive! Someone sent me this article by Rob Lowe. You may have seen it He totally nails it. You got this.
good story..
you really should write that book.
I’ll be 1st in line at the book signing.
enjoy
Thank you!
Xo
DL
Mine moved out then moved back with his pregnant wife… Now after a year and a half they moved back out but will be back…. Some kids learn the hard way but I miss my grandson and look forward to him moving back in soon!
Beautiful Dorthy,
I know that feeling all too well. As a mother of four I feel your pride,sorrow and the anticipation for what God has in store for you next. I have missed you a lot on “that show” but like you said you were given the greatest gift of “TIME” that is one thing you could never give back. YOU DORTHY HAVE MADE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE!!!! Whether it was helping those beautiful children with Mendong Kids or simply reporting the gossip, you came into millions of homes and became part of our family. You made a difference and now it’s your time to enjoy your gift of “time”. God bless you and I hope God blesses you with many more adventures.
Now you’re making me teary again!
Xo
DL
WOW! I can’t believe it, I was still thinking he was maybe 13 – 15! OMG!!!
Well, if you move to Italy, please take me with you, I’m a really good cook!
Still miss seeing ya on TV!
WOW ! – I remember you bringing Nash to meet me at my hotel when he was a baby – he is
a handsome young man- Good genes!
Sue!
Best boss & friend.
Come visit again.
It’s been like…18 years.
Xo
DL
You’ll never walk alone
I am sending gemma out to live
With you
You like princess dress up?
Funny, I think the answer is YES
I know david does.
I cant believe it…but I guess he’s around for the summer , no?
Xxx
You’re a terrific mom
hope to see you soon
I’ll take both your kids. You can move to Italy!
Xo
DL
Dorothy I love your blog. I too would be the first in line to buy your book if you write one! We are empty nesters as well. We have two kids and our so just got married last June. They both live locally (Ojai and Camarillo) but it is hard and I am still adjusting. Our kids are our greatest gifts and joys in the world. If you get lonely you can come visit me and our two dogs, and the cat the kids left behind in Camarillo. 
And I could hit the Outlets!
Thank you!
xo
DL
Anytime!
That would be great!
Dorothy. .. Miss your face! I remember when you were preggers with your son! I’m glad you got fired too. .. you left for the biggest and greatest job that do many mom’s don’t have the option or privilege to stay home. Toss 3 years ago. .. oh how I miss the little league , soccer, attitude. ..homework. .ok not the homework! LOL. … fly high free bird!
Said GOODBYE in ’06 … Besserer “Auf Wiedersehen” zu sagen !!! And then one day you find ten years have got behind you …
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I promise to bring over all my laundry
and there’s plenty of us ‘birds’ (as CB would say) to keep you company