As my nest becomes more empty
I find I'm living in the past
I concentrate on all "they've" done
For the first time and the last
Oh, where have all the years gone
Those babies now are grown
My youngest just turned eighteen
And soon is leaving home...
What will I do  I ask myself
With no child who still needs me
You'd think I'd be ecstatic
For the first time...I am free!
Instead, I feel so empty
Although my heart is filled with pride
For the young adults they have become
I hope they know I tried
Though times were hard and money scarce
We bonded fast and true
And I still have those memories
To keep my whole life through
The "boys" have both grown into men
With no Dad to show the way
Yet I am ever confident
That neither one will stray
From their separate paths in life
For each has set a goal
And they have learned, if nothing else
To love with all their heart and soul
My little girl... no longer small
Is quite the lady now
I know I'll survive her leaving
I just keep asking how
But God, in all His wisdom
Has seen me through these days
I've struggled and I've won and lost
As I've journeyed through life's maze
He has placed inside my special world
Loving family and good friends
Who will keep me strong and focused
As the life I've known now ends
Perhaps I won't be lonely
I'll have to wait and see
But for right now, I'll shed my tears
For all that used to be
And as each day grows brighter
I'll smile, because I know
God trusted me with His Angels
To love, and then let go


Linda Tiuch