<p>My life was more in line eith edad...my son was a beast his senior year. He decided to rip the apron strings right off sometime about October of his senior year. He was soooo ready to leave -- consequently we were soooo happy to see him leave. I realized how much I missed him after he was gone and it took awhile to remember to set only 4 places at the table instead of 5. He didn't come home at Thanksgiving since he was far away so by Christmas we were all ready to see him. The phone calls from August to December told us he was happy and thriving and Christmas was wonderful. He was no longer a nasty boy, but was talkative, relaxed...just happy. That helped much and he was "ready" to head back at the end of the vacation. I still miss him, but I know he's just fine. For me, it's also been good to be able to focus on 2 and 3 since it feels like the whole college process cosumes you over a year. 3 is now "worried" about just how much "focus" he'll get when 2 leaves and he's on "only". I tell him he'll get alot of focus LOL.</p>
<p>"Is this normal? I find myself everyday crying reading these posts or thinking about my DD leaving for college."</p>
<p>We were sad when our eldest son left to study in the UK.
Skype and MSN are good to stay in touch; we chat most days.
It also helps that he flies back to Sydney after every 2 months in the UK; Oxford have three terms of 8 weeks each with long breaks between. I guess that we will be sad again when our youngest son leaves next year for the UK or the US.</p>
<p>Yes, I think it's normal. When I was experiencing it, and my husband was concerned, I told him that it was "anticipatory grief." I may have made that up, but it seems to cover it.</p>
<p>I really think that having somewhat worked my way through part of the grieving process ahead of time allowed me to function quite well during drop-off and goodbyes. Then a month later I found myself in a fetal position on the floor crying my eyes out. It's not a straight line, at least not for me.</p>
<p>This thread brings it all back. Senior year was filled with moments of "this is the last time"...last musical, last dance production, last week of finals, last hs paper...her Drama, and Dance teachers both hugged me, and told me how much they were going to miss DD, but that they were excited for her-knowing she was going to follow her passion and continue her studies at an incredible university...the last summer was sweet. We spent time together talking about what it was going to be like to be so far away, living on her own, setting up checking accounts, credit card, discussing finances, college life....but after we dropped her off at school, I felt like my heart had been torn out of me. I cried. DH was quiet as he also reflected on his DD being away at college....fast forward...DD loves college, has made great friends, made the Dean's list, has already lined up a summer internship, we write lots of checks!....so...you adjust to this empty-nest lifestyle...but DD will always be a part of who we are; family....CC has helpt me through this process, as I am sure it will help you. all the best-APOL-a mom.</p>
<p>Well...call this "odd" but one thing I did that helped with that "separation" was to continue to volunteer my time (but a LOT LOT LESS) with one organization that was very integral to my kids' lives in HS. I actually am friendly with many of the current parents and this was a good "bridge" for both them...and me (some organizations at school NEVER have enough volunteers). </p>
<p>Prepare yourselves....I didn't shed a tear at all when #1 was dropped off as a freshman. He was SO ready to be there and we were SO ready for him to be gone! But by Thanksgiving, he had turned into a real human being and adult...and when he left, I felt so sad. </p>
<p>The nice thing about the empty nest is that you can miss your kids....but not the "stuff" (you know...the endless "events" to attend, etc). </p>
<p>And...just for the record...I would have LOVED to redo just my kitchen counters, but that will have to wait until BOTH of them are all done with college....no money!!!</p>
<p>"You're Going to Make Me Lonesome When You Go" Thanks for passing this one on. I like the lyrics, like the tune. </p>
<p>Thankfully, it's not as sad as "Friend, I Will Remember You", which the kids elementary school used to sing whenever a kid was moving on. Nothing like crying your eyes out at "Monday Morning Assembly, Parents Welcome to Attend"...</p>
<p>Seriously, I am thinking of making up a song book for those of us who need to get the emotions flowing....</p>