Empty nesters no more

Given the state of the economy and how difficult it's become for a person to land a job in this town, I figured it was a matter of time before we faced the inevitable. Sure enough, Nathan moved back in with us today.

Clearly, he and we would prefer that he live independently of us. But that requires a steady income sufficient to pay rent, buy groceries and cover the myriad expenses that pop up from week to week. It just isn't happening, despite his best efforts to respond to advertised openings and keep an ear to the ground for non-publicized opportunities.

I'm encouraged that he's at least gotten to the interview stage with a few potential employers, but I also recognize there are large numbers of job-seekers out there and he's at a disadvantage in terms of experience, having just graduated from PSU less than two months ago.

Nathan has come over for dinner a few times since graduation day and it's always good to see him and spend time with him. We know we're lucky that two of our three adult children live in the same city as us and that we genuinely enjoy each other's company.

If tonight's dinner is any indication, I think we'll be fine. We had a casual dinner outside and Nathan was in a good mood, despite having to move his belongings into his brother's bedroom and his sister's basement on a brutally hot day. Afterward, he headed out to the club where he works part-time as a doorman to listen to some music. If there's a challenge for us all, it will lie in how well we deal with our different hours -- Lori being an early bird, Nathan being a night owl and me falling somewhere in between.

I say, "Welcome home to the nest" while I also cross my fingers that steady work will come his way. Job leads, anyone? Bring 'em on...