Empty Nesters, Full Hearts | August 2026

August 16, 2026

Empty Nesters, Full Hearts
August 2026

Hello Friends,

No one prepared me for the emotions I’d experience as we set out to get our son ready to leave for college.

It’s strange to feel both an overwhelming sadness and inexplicable joy for what the future holds for our son and for my husband and me.

As the date grew closer for his departure, time seemed to stand still and I found it increasingly difficult to go about everyday life. I know it sounds dramatic. It was hard for me to be present. The thought of life as we knew it for the past 18 years was going to come to an end. It’s a lot to process. The tears would just appear, literally, out of nowhere!

The weeks turned into days and, although I knew it was going to be a rough adjustment, the agony of it happening was becoming more than I could handle. Then came the roadtrip!

We caravaned to SoCal a few days early. We planned one last family trip to Disneyland the day before Samuel was scheduled to move into his dorm. I realized that Disneyland REALLY is the Happiest Place on Earth! For a few hours we wore Mickey ears, went on all of our favorite rides, ate yummy snacks and food, watched a parade & fireworks and created more unforgettable memories!

Our last picture in front of our house before college drop-off!

Fun @ Disney!

Last family vacay in the happiest place on Earth!

I received thoughtful text messages and phone calls from some of you who knew how difficult this has been for me … “Thank you!”

Reflecting on my emotions I came to the realization that for the past 18 years I chose to put my son first. My heart's desire, along with my husband’s, was to give Samuel a family and a life we never had. Every decision, every move we made was centered around our son and our hope for him to know Jesus and to cultivate a relationship with Him. By God’s grace, Samuel has grown to love our Lord and he now has his own desire to live for Him. For us, that is the only thing that really matters and we are grateful beyond measure.

In front of Samuel's dorm before we left!

So now, as we look ahead to our future, we are excited about what God has in store for us all. For so much of my life I lived simply to either survive or I lived for the benefit of others. I don’t regret those decisions. I believe they made me who I am today. Now I get to seek God for His purpose for me in this next chapter of my life.

I pray every day for God to show me what He has in store for me next. So, if you find me a bit distracted and not myself, I’m still processing. Yes, we are empty nesters. We ALSO have FULL hearts of gratitude to have had the privilege of being Samuel’s parents. I trust God has an extraordinary plan and I wait in excited expectation for what that will be.

Until then, I applaud all of you who have sacrificed your own wants and needs for those you love. You are an inspiration to me and to your families. I pray that you continue to do great things with all that God has entrusted to you.

In His joy,
Rica