Empty Nest Newspaper Article
Cookeville Herald-Citizen, Cookeville Tennessee
I Wonder What That’s Like
by Anne Thurmond
I think my sister has the “empty nest” thing figured out. Tricia’s youngest child started
college last year. After helping her daughter get settled in to her dorm at Purdue University,
Tricia and her husband, Bob, spent the drive home talking about the big chapter of their lives
that had just come to a close. Their four kids, all girls, were finding their own paths, growing to
be confident, intelligent, and loving adults, thanks to a nurturing upbringing. So, Tricia and Bob
reminisced about their lives as young parents, when it seemed they would always be changing
diapers, enduring sleep deprivation and nighttime feedings, reading bedtime stories and giving
rides to soccer practice. The time when the kids needed them for everything often felt endless.
Now those years seem to have raced by, and it was just the two of them once again.
Then the conversation turned to the possibilities for this new chapter. They began to
remember all of these ideas and interests they had both chosen to store away while dedicating
themselves to raising a family. Now they could get them out of storage and give them a try.
Travelling tops the list, and it’s fun to see all of the “Wish you were here!” pictures they’ve
posted from all over the country. Bob has become an avid runner, even qualifying for the
Boston Marathon. Tricia has finished her Master’s degree and got a new job she loves. She has
also come back to something she adored while growing up – horses.
One of my favorite teenage memories is the time Tricia and I saved up our babysitting
money and went to an actual “Dude Ranch.” We both loved riding horses, so the week was like
a dream come true. We took lessons in riding and caring for the horses. We ate around the
campfire and told ghost stories. It was fun getting to know our group, which included people
from around the country, of all ages and riding abilities. There was a wide variety of horses, too.
I got to know many of the horses’ unique personalities, and soon became friends with one
horse in particular. From then on, everyone (including the horses) knew which one I wanted to
ride. It was beautiful country, and we weren’t limited to a trail. I’ll never forget how free I felt
while riding.
After that trip, Tricia and I both continued to ride occasionally. But horseback riding
soon became one of those things we did when we were younger. Thoughts of college and
career, marriage and family became so much more exciting and important for us. Neither one
of us had much extra time or money for hobbies. That’s why I’m so pleased to know that Tricia
is taking up riding again. She now has her own beautiful horse named AJ, and anyone looking
for Tricia knows they can find her out riding or at the stable.
Although my husband and I have a few years yet before our own nest is empty, my
sister’s story has inspired me to dust off some of my own interests of old. I moved to Cookeville
over 10 years ago, but I’m still amazed at the number and variety of opportunities available
here. Every Sunday, the Herald-Citizen lists dozens of community events – groups, classes,
I Wonder What That’s Like
pg. 2
exhibits, dances – many of which are free or nearly free and open to the public. I’ve decided to
give some a try.
Music has always been a central part of my life, so the listings that involve music always
catch my eye first. But I want to try some things I’ve never done before. I wonder what it’s like
to be in a camera club, or a saddle club, or a radio control club. I wonder what it’s like to line
dance, or to paint something more interesting than a ceiling. Is there a club that could actually
teach me how to play bridge? What’s Tai Chi like? Now that I really look at all of the
possibilities, I can see that I’m going to have a tough time choosing which activity to try first.
But I can’t wait to get started!