Empty Nester...

Everyone keeps asking how I feel about becoming an empty nester. The truth is—I’m not there yet… but I’m 32 days away.

I know life will feel different after graduation. That reality hasn’t escaped me for a second. I’m stepping into a brand-new chapter, and while it’s a little bittersweet, I’m also looking forward to the freedom that comes with it. For so long, school has been the constant in our lives. Soon, I’ll have more time—time to reconnect with friends I’ve barely seen, time to say “yes” to things I couldn’t before, and maybe even time to explore working outside the home. Who knows? It feels like doors are about to open.

For years, my life has revolved around Tim. I took him to every training session, handled his schooling, made the appointments, and met his every need. Our business made it possible for me to be there in all those ways, while Scot worked tirelessly to provide for our family. He’s been an incredible partner through it all—supporting Tim, helping with school when needed, pitching in at home, and even cooking meals when I was stretched thin. Life with Tim has been full, busy, and anything but boring.

And honestly, after graduation, not everything will change. Tim will still be at home, working with his dad, taking online college classes, and continuing his weightlifting. The biggest difference? I won’t be reminding him to do his schoolwork anymore—LOL. He’ll be fully responsible for himself. We’ll always be here to guide and support him, but now he’ll be the one steering his life and shaping his future. The “Tim show” is about to take center stage, and it’s his time to run with everything he’s been given.

As for me and Scot, I’m excited for what’s ahead. This next season gives us a chance to rediscover life as a couple—to go places, do things together, and simply enjoy each other again. It’s been a long time since it was just us. In many ways, this feels like a new beginning for us too.

Am I a little sad? Of course. My baby is all grown up. But more than anything, I’m excited—excited for Tim, and excited for us.

We’ll always be here for him, cheering him on as he chases his dreams. But it will be nice to have the time and space to explore life in new ways—together, and with the friends we’ve missed along the way.