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What happens to fatherhood when children no longer need you for the basics of life? How do fathers navigate the emotional journey of becoming empty nesters? These essential questions take center stage in our heartfelt conversation with podcaster and father of three Rory Paquette.

Rory opens up about his profound health journey, surviving a collapsed lung and major thoracotomy surgery that became a wake-up call to reprioritize his life. This brush with mortality led him to launch his third purpose-driven podcast and reconsider what truly matters. His vulnerability in sharing both physical and emotional challenges offers powerful perspective for listeners facing their own life transitions.

The conversation shifts to the rarely-discussed emotional impact the empty nest has on fathers. While much attention is given to mothers during this transition, Rory candidly reveals the pain and disorientation of watching his three children leave home – especially when his youngest son skipped the college transition and moved directly into his career. "My wife and I are sitting there after everybody's gone and we're looking at each other on the couch going now what do we do?" This raw honesty will resonate with parents at any stage of the journey.

The most touching moment comes when Rory shares his son's wisdom: "Dad, I still need you, it's just different. I don't need you to buy my groceries anymore... I just need you as my life coach." This profound insight captures the evolution of fatherhood – from provider to mentor, from caretaker to life guide. For fathers navigating changing relationships with adult children, this episode offers both emotional validation and practical wisdom for maintaining meaningful connections across distance and busy schedules.

Whether you're a father yourself, have a relationship with your dad that's evolving, or simply appreciate authentic conversations about life's transitions, this episode will leave you reflecting on how our most important relationships transform rather than end as seasons change. Subscribe now and join our wellness journey!

CONNECT WITH RORY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rorypaquette
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rorypaquette

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1k62TEAGQztAChysYwl56p

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0JCwVYSIuI2VYAnIoH6rHG

https://open.spotify.com/episode/56amF6hbjrnLzihpAwCtHR

CONNECT WITH SHELLY:

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Thank you for listening to the Words of Wellness podcast with Shelly Jefferis. I am honored and so grateful to have you here and it would mean the world to me if you could take a minute to follow, leave a 5-star review and share the podcast with anyone you love and anyone you feel could benefit from the message.

Thank you and God Bless!
And remember to do something for yourself, for your wellness on this day!

In Health,
Shelly Jefferis