How could a young couple shut such caring parents out of their lives?

Baila: We only want to help; why are you locking us out?

Chavie: Keeping our news quiet helps us keep our dignity.

When they talk about empty-nest syndrome, I honestly don’t get it. My youngest is in seminary, I have a son learning in Israel and one in Lakewood, and the rest are married, but I don’t find things quiet or boring in the least. Between one or the other of the young families coming for Shabbos, Yom Tov, or just for a visit; my older bochur driving in for dates; and Bubby-sitting the grandchildren who live nearby — there’s never a dull moment around here.

Besides, there’s always the homemade cookies and American-brand products that I beg anyone traveling to Israel to stuff into their suitcase. The phone calls across the time zones (Friday at 6 a.m. is Chayala’s preferred time for Erev Shabbos catching up). A constant flow of birthday cards to be mailed to the eineklach along with little things I pick up for them.

It’s not only Chayala who calls, either. I always feel sorry for those friends of mine who speak to their kids once a week, before Shabbos. I don’t like to tell them, because it wouldn’t be nice, but we’re a close-knit family, and I speak to my daughters and daughters-in-law all the time. We chat about the children, Shabbos plans, work, the news, you name it. And very often I’ll be talking to Chavie or Bracha, and one of the daughters-in-law — Goldy, Hindy, or Raizel — will be beeping in.

"Ma, could you do me a favor?” Chavie asked me one day, after we’d caught up on Dini’s new tooth and Yossi’s siddur-party solo. “My friend Bashi’s going to be in Brooklyn for Shabbos. Would you mind to pick up some socks and stuff for me at The Kids’ Place? She can bring them back for me, no problem.”

Chavie lived in an out-of-town community. She loved it, but the shopping facilities were dismal. Whenever they came for a visit, they did a major shopping spree to stock up on kids’ essentials.

“Nothing I’d enjoy more,” I said, smiling as I thought of the little extras I’d tuck into the package: Chavie’s favorite chocolate, candy for the kids.

“Thanks, Ma. I’ll text you an exact list.”

I hung up the phone, scribbling a note at the end of my shopping list. The Kids’ Place, the grocery, something nice to wrap it all up in… and of course, just as I put the pen down, my phone rang again. Chayala Israel, flashed across the screen.

Like I said, never a dull moment.