My oldest daughter is doing an internship in New York this summer, and my youngest daughter leaves for a two-week class trip tomorrow.

This will be the first time I can recall since we have had children that we are alone in our home for an extended period of time. There will be no one to drive, no one to cook for, no one with immediate needs to fill, with the exception of a new puppy ...

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So, the question is what will I do with my free time? On one hand, I’m looking at it as a test for being an empty nester. In two years, that will be our reality. It is exciting, yet a little bit daunting at the same time.

There is a void when a child leaves a house that is not easily filled with unimportant busyness. We’ve talked about trying some new restaurants, taking trips to the beach, and maybe just relaxing at night for a change. It will definitely be a new experience, a change of pace.

Empty Nest Test
Amanda Lamb's younger daughter hugs her dad before leaving for a two-week trip.

You don’t realize the time and energy you invest in children until they’re gone. There is a massive hole of time and space left in their wake when they are not there, and it is part of the seasons of life for us to figure out how to fill it.

And as we all know, out of sight does not mean out of mind. Since my daughter has been in New York, I have sent her a package of things she forgot, called in a prescription, and organized a trip to visit her in July. We speak almost daily. But it is still not the same as the day-in, day-out responsibilities of parenting.

I’m sure when my daughters return, I will be happy to see them. And having had a glimpse of being an empty nester, it will be interesting to see how I transition back into my chief caregiving role when they come home.

Either way, they will be better for the experiences they have out in the world without me, and I will eventually learn how to live in a world without their daily presence. But for now, I will savor the momentary respite and eagerly await their homecoming.

Amanda is the mom of two, a reporter for WRAL-TV and the author of several books, including some on motherhood. Find her here on Mondays.