“Even with an Empty Nest, I’ve learned that love doesn’t leave—it simply looks different. I still miss seeing my kids in the halls at school, but I’ve found strength in showing up with joy, leaning on faith, and embracing every season as it comes.”
Jill
Faith, Family, and the Beauty of What Comes Next
From the Classroom Halls to the Quiet Nest — and Still Growing
For years, my days were filled with the hum of school bells, the shuffle of papers, and the sweet chaos of raising my own kids while also working in the school system. As a paraprofessional, I lent a hand wherever I was needed and loved being part of the place where my children walked the halls.
But then came the shift. My kids grew up, graduated, and suddenly those same halls felt a little too quiet. I found myself grieving not just the Empty Nest at home, but the empty space in my daily routine. The laughter I used to hear around every corner wasn’t theirs anymore — and my heart ached for it.
Still, in that quiet, I’ve discovered something unexpected: a new kind of purpose. I get to pour into other children, encourage the next generation, and remind myself that my Motherhood journey didn’t end — it simply changed. The love, the lessons, and the laughter are still there, even if the season looks different.
And friend, if you’re walking through that same bittersweet space? Please know you’re not alone. Together, we can find joy in the middle, purpose in the shift, and gratitude in the gift of every season.
Jill’s Current Must Have Items
“From quiet walks with my grandkids to afternoons spent tending my flowers, these are the little things that fill my heart. Add in a playful cuddle with my new dog Maggie, a fresh paint-by-numbers kit, and the joy of being outdoors—and I feel centered again. These aren’t just hobbies; they’re small anchors that remind me to slow down, savor the moment, and see the beauty in everyday life.”
“Some days it’s guiding little hands at school, some days it’s walking an empty hallway and missing my own kids. Either way—I lean on God to lead me, and He always shows up with enough strength for today.”
— Jill
