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Rescue Me! Parental Nurturing in the Empty-Nesting Years By Marian Buckner, RN, BSN
“. . . to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch . . . to know one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!” —Ralph Waldo Emerson Rewards of Parenting It seems that only yesterday we were baking cupcakes, organizing schedules for visiting colleges in between doctor’s appointments, and throwing parties that blossomed into “events,” all the while toiling at our job that paid the bills. What a fabulous skill set we honed, multitasking and plate spinning in a seemingly magical flow by the time our children left the nest!
A true delight of parenting is when your children experience the “Aha!” moment: a signal of maturity that opens their eyes to your devotion and efforts, in which they recognize and appreciate the power of love at work in word and deed. At that point, a new bond develops, and the active parenting role mellows into one of sounding board, mentor, and friend.
Nourish Yourself
People It takes little imagination to envision the less fortunate. If you like to cook, invite a lonely neighbor over for dinner and conversation. Remember those cupcakes you used to make for the school bake sales? Well, bake them again, take them to a nursing home, and make the residents very happy! Offer your time in a soup kitchen. Read books to children at your local library or become a school volunteer. Call a homeless shelter and offer your assistance. Does your church need drivers to take the homebound to services?
Places Habitat for Humanity provides homes for troubled families. Are you able to volunteer your skills or materials? Many horticultural societies offer programs to “green” abandoned lots in cities and create community gardens and parks. Do you have a green thumb that can help? Historical societies are always on the lookout for interested members. Imagine the pride in preserving a unique piece of local history you can share with future generations. Or if you have limitations, can you make phone calls asking for donations to these various organizations?
Things Any hobby you now have the time for probably has an organization dedicated to it, with members who share the same passion. Investigate becoming a part of the group or organize one yourself. Once you realize what’s needed, being a seasoned pro at juggling numerous tasks will be a godsend. Use the tools you developed as a parent of a nuclear family and extend it outward. Like a stone dropping into water, the ripple effect will nourish not only you but all others you touch, as well!
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 Marian Buckner, RN, BSN, specializes in psychiatric nursing. During her 30-year career, she has worked with patients in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. She continues to nourish herself by volunteering her time with the mentally ill and organizing neighborhood activities. And, she recently added a rescue dog, Nora, to her family!
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© 2007 Spring Mount Communications
Although some parents heave a great sigh of relief at their empty nest, others choose to continue the trend by opening their hearts and homes to those less loved. One choice may be foster parenting or offering your home as a respite for those who are foster parents. One weekend every so often can give all parties involved a needed break from a tough routine. Simply being there for a child who was not wanted by his or her parents can make a huge difference.
Reaching beyond your boundaries is what you encouraged your children to do, and it is a good lesson to remember yourself. How do we make the world a better place? Start locally but think globally. Any reduction in pollution you can bring about will affect everyone. Picking up trash in public areas, recycling, planting trees, and riding a bike or walking instead of driving a car are all valuable ways to improve the planet. Organizing a group of like-minded individuals or a neighborhood to do the same exponentially amplifies the result.
A national dog food company,