Almost Empty Nest?

It has been many years since we’ve posted on this blog (so long that I haven't been able to figure out how to log back in as an editor so Dana has offered to post for me).  It was a treasure to visit it again and recall the memories it cataloged!  When they are old enough to talk back, borrow the car, and tell you how to operate the IT equipment in your house, it is easy to forget that our children were once clinging to us 24/7. 

We didn’t keep this blog updated like we had planned, but then many things we had planned didn’t quite turn out the way we envisioned!   We were even lucky enough to add additional parental support and mentors in Felix’s stepparents, Rob (Renae’s husband) and Kendra (Dana’s wife).    I’m hopeful that Felix felt the love and support of many caring adults over the years, including his two big sisters, many aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

Cedar River Montessori School was a great place to offer stability until Felix was in 7^th grade and the transition to middle school could have been as tragic as most of us remember middle school being, except that he quickly made a solid group of great friends (they are all still actively involved in each other’s lives today).  The family of one set of friends made all the difference and I’ll forever be grateful to them for providing a safe, supportive, caring hangout.  When the pandemic hit it was hard on everyone, but my kiddo enjoyed the reduced socialization and I feared he might never come out of his room again!  Luckily, this family friend started up the garage band or D&D sessions.

Another consistent contribution over the years has been School of Rock in West Seattle.  Felix has been playing guitar with them almost every week for 11 years!  Although he quickly decided he wasn’t a fan of performing on stage, which is a big part of their curriculum, they continued lessons that advanced his skill and challenged him. 

Felix has so many interests and although he might seem shy at first, just get him started on a STEM topic or politics, and he’ll talk your ear off!  Before the pandemic, he was so fascinated with viruses, prions, and germs that the school librarian said, “this kid is either going to cure cancer or create germ warfare, time will tell”! I trust whatever contribution he brings to society; it will be a positive one as he’s smarter than I’ll ever be and more emotionally intelligent and capable than most adults I know. 

Felix is not a fan of portraits and at least 5 years ago asked me to stop taking or sharing any photos.  I respect that boundary and ask that you do the same.  Make a memory in your mind and hold onto that image rather than sharing it on social media.

Felix is off to my alma mater, Western Washington University in Bellingham next year.  It will be weird to be an empty nester after 28 years of raising kids, but he promises he’ll keep in touch. I am proud of Felix and look forward to whatever path he follows in life.  If you’ve read this far, you are part of our ever-growing framily circle, friends and family who have contributed to Felix’s life directly or indirectly over the years and we sincerely thank you for everything.  It takes a village and I’m glad you are in it! 

Love, 

Renae