Empty

Empty nest syndrome: A feeling of grief and loneliness parents may feel when their children leave home for the first time, such as to live on their own or to attend a college or university. (from Wikipedia)

When we think of an empty nest, it's likely that we think of the time after the fullness of life--of parenthood, in particular--has passed by. It's the time after. A time defined by what isn't there, much more then by what is.

But this empty nest? This is the time before.

See, the male bluebird starts the nest with a bit of pinestraw, hoping to attract a mate with his comings and goings. Once he's found himself a good wife, she then completes the nest. Next, they go off on their honeymoon, and then the female returns to the nest to lay her eggs.

The nest box for this nest was empty at the end of last week. Know what that means? We're gonna have some bluebird eggs in here soon!

So my "empty nest syndrome" today is the feeling of hope and happiness that that this human feels when the bluebirds fly away for a bit, soon to return and continue their circle of life. At first glance, it looks like hope has flown ... but it really hasn't.

A small thing, but a much-needed bit of lightness and hope in a dark time.

“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all ...
                             (Emily Dickinson)