One by one they arrived at two-year intervals. First Ethan, then Alex, then Zack. Each baby welcomed with joy until our home overflowed with boys. Three is plenty we said. Three is more than enough. Yet something seemed missing. We had room at the table and space in our hearts, and following a five-year gap, an unexpected blessing arrived – our fourth son, Sam. At last our family felt complete. The years sped by in a blur of busyness. At one time I had kids in elementary, middle and high schools. I lived in our minivan shuttling boys from here to there and back again. “Enjoy it while it lasts,” seasoned parents advised. “One day they’ll all be gone”/Cindy Hval, SR Front Porch. More here.

Also by Cindy:

• Tribes keep language alive
• Lilac Festival float still diamond in rough

Question: If you're an empty-nester, how well did you adapt to the change?