A different Kind of Work-out...

Yesterday, we moved our oldest daughter into her first apartment, and truly joined the ranks of empty nesters. The funny thing is that I have considered myself an empty nester for some time. Charlie's schedule has been so full that she has been around very little, mostly for sleeping. So while I knew this day was coming, I was unprepared for the emotions that came with it. I imagined I already knew what it felt like, and then I woke up yesterday morning and was struck with an overwhelming conflict of emotions...incredible happiness for my daughter who has overcome so many odds to reach a point where she was ready to move out on her own, and overwhelming sadness at the realization that she would no longer be only two floors away at some point during the day.

One of several walls I painted

So as I struggled throughout the morning to keep my tears at bay, I knew I was not in the frame of mind to make it to the gym, and decided the only way to combat the turmoil was to dive right in and help. Charlie had the unlucky or lucky happenstance to end up having to work on moving day, so Rob, her boyfriend, Chuck and myself took on the tasks of moving her out of our house, moving her into their new apartment and as an added task, painting her living area and bedroom. We started our day around 830 in the morning and ended the day at 845 in the evening. We had all of the furniture and boxes moved into the apartment by about 430, but the white walls were calling for some color, and as experienced movers, we knew it was easier to paint while everything was still in boxes and safely out of the way.

Charlie helping after work

It is a testament to my efforts these past months, that I was able to take an active role in both the move and the painting. In the past, I have usually been banned from lifting things for fear of throwing out my back and while we have painted many of the rooms in our home, it has almost primarily been Chuck who did the painting. My part in the process was to pick the colors and point out any areas that needed attention. But this time, I helped tote boxes and lightweight furniture, and when it came time to paint, Rob and I took on rolling the walls while Chuck took care of the edges.

Charlie and Rob

By the time we finished the last wall, I had no qualms that I had not made it to the gym that day. I knew that I had gotten the best work-out I had had all week. I had lifted, pulled, dragged, walked and painted. Every muscle was feeling it, but I was also feeling pleasantly relaxed again. I could see the joy on my daughter's face as she surveyed her new home. She was in love with a wonderful young man, they were beginning their life together, and I was well enough to help them get started. It had turned out to be a great day after all.