Empty Nester? Make It a Mother's Day Any Day of the Week, Any Time of Day. Here's How! by Kaira Rouda

Now that I'm an empty-nester, I view Mother's Day through a different lens. I've discovered, as with many things that an empty nest brings, Mother's Day is not the same as when my kids were little. I can console myself with the fact that all four of my kids are happy, healthy and thriving. That's the new form of a homemade handprint painting – their happiness – but now I hold it in my heart instead of hanging it on the refrigerator.

Now, I'll take a Mother's Day any day of the week, any time of the day. Whether it's a quick call from my daughter when she has a break during work, or a surprise visit by my college junior bringing his friends home for the weekend, that's a special day. 

Do I want more time with the kids? Always. Being a mom, though, is a process of letting go from the time your baby is born. And so this empty nest stage is another step in the process. I know my kids and I love each other, even if they can't be with me on Sunday. We'll make up for it the next time we're together, we'll make it a Mother's Day. Memories and moments are what matters now to make this mom's day. And as I think about it, I suppose that is what has mattered all along!