Candace and Val became empty nesters in 2021 after their son Maksim graduated from NorthStar Christian Academy and went off to college. They celebrated his graduation and dropped him off at the airport in August. Candace expressed her feelings on Instagram, lamenting about having to leave Maksim at LAX and feeling no sympathy from Val. In a later update, Candace shared that Maksim did not call her when he landed, but she called him and they FaceTimed, discovering he was sleeping on someone’s couch.
The couple reflected on the emotions of being empty nesters, with Candace acknowledging the sadness and heartbreak that can come with children leaving the house. She discussed the struggle of letting go after pouring everything into raising her children. Candace emphasized the importance of allowing children to fly on their own and start their own journeys. She expressed that while there is often excitement about new babies, the process of letting go can be challenging and emotional.
Despite the mixed emotions, Candace and Val continue to support their children as they go off to college and begin their own lives. They shared updates and moments of their journey as empty nesters on social media, reflecting their pride in their children’s accomplishments and the bittersweet feeling of watching them grow up. Candace mentioned that Maksim was being picked up from the airport and had found a place to sleep, showing that he was starting to navigate life on his own with the support of others.
The transition to empty nesting has its ups and downs, with Candace and Val experiencing a range of emotions as they adjust to their new normal. They continue to support their children from afar, staying connected through phone calls, FaceTime, and social media. Candace acknowledged the challenges of raising children and then having to let them go, but she remains proud of the independent adults her children are becoming. The couple’s journey as empty nesters serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of parenting and the importance of letting go to allow children to spread their wings.
As they navigate this new chapter in their lives, Candace and Val find moments of joy and sadness in watching their children grow up and leave the nest. They embrace the changes that come with having an empty nest, finding ways to stay involved in their children’s lives while also allowing them the freedom to make their own decisions. The couple’s journey showcases the complexity of parenting, from the excitement of new beginnings to the challenges of letting go. Candace and Val’s story serves as a reminder of the constant evolution of family dynamics and the enduring love that parents have for their children, even as they grow and embark on their own paths.
