Empty Nester Rock Stars – Cheri and Greg

I am so excited for this new feature on my blog – Empty Nesters who are total Rock Stars! These are people I admire for their courage to live out the next chapter of their life on their terms, with no apologies and no regrets.

My inaugural Rock Star Empty Nester post is about my good friend Cheri and her husband Greg.  Cheri and I go back about 11 years, when our kids were competitive cheerleaders together.  Like many other competitive travel sports, you become extremely close with the other families on the team.  We spent hours upon hours together in the gym, carpooled together, celebrated wins and cried over losses.  I love so many things about this family!  In the 11 years I have known them, they have overcome difficult obstacles with grace, persistence, humility and class.  Together we have had game nights and bar-b-ques, days on the lake and nights around a bonfire.  They were one of my biggest support systems when my children’s dad died in 2010.  To say I love them with all my heart is an understatement.

Between the two of them, Cheri and Greg have 5 kids (his (2), hers (1) and theirs (2)), ranging in age from 20 to 42!  All 5 of these grown children are amazing in their own right.  If you have more than one child, you know how different each one can be.  Their kids range in personality from strong willed and big hearted, resourceful, socially aware, creative, compassionate, conservative and goal oriented.  Cheri and Greg are also grandparents 4 times over. 

Greg & Cheri have been empty nesters for almost 3 years now, and prior to that their lives were filled with work, kids, and competitive cheer.  With two kids in this demanding sport, most of their extra time and money went to support this lifestyle.  Vacations were in Atlanta, Dallas, Orlando and back to Orlando, where the largest cheer competitions of the country are held.  Seriously people…we’ve been to Disney World so many times, I should have frequent flyer miles.

Cheri and Greg’s adjustment to their new lifestyle is quite frankly, admirable.  They had only ever been married with kids in the home.  Of the 26 years they have been married, 23 were with AT LEAST 2 children living under the roof full time, most of the time more!  So being home with no planned events, or kid’s activities or responsibility, you would think owning their own calendar would be a bit of an adjustment, but Cheri admits that it was so easy to start prioritizing herself!  

I LOVE THAT!  Let’s all be like Cheri!

Besides just being awesome humans, here’s why I think Cheri & Greg are Rock Star Empty Nesters:  They love to travel, and have recently purchased a 5^th wheel to spend long weekends camping or more aptly “glamping”.  For over 10 years, they have talked about this great camping adventure and recently took the plunge and purchased a gorgeous camper.  They have gone on several weekend trips and just got back from a week long trip to Florida.  They will be retiring soon-ish and plan to check things off their bucket list, see the country and supplement their income as Workampers! (I bet I just introduced you to a new word, didn’t I?)  Workampers are full or part time paid (or volunteer) workers with RV or tent camping.  This can be at state or national parts, RV resorts or a variety of other facilities. Their contracts at each location can last anywhere from a month to a season, with some even being year round.  

Cheri and Greg have decided after 26 years, they really do like each other and can’t wait to see the country together on their schedule, bringing their home with them.  Right now, they are testing out this lifestyle with traveling primarily in the southeast, but the Grand Canyon and traveling west is on their bucket list, along with perhaps a seasonal stint at Disney World. 

I am excited to watch as they turn the page to this new chapter in their life!