<p>I've thought a lot about this, and I believe that some of the grief I already feel, anticipating my D leaving soon, is partly this: being her mom has allowed me to get in touch with the musical/artistic side of myself which I allowed to languish once I decided to go into science. [Motherhood and science did not allow much time for pursuing the arts.]</p>
<p>All those rehearsals, all that driving, all that discussion of songs, etc. etc!!</p>
<p>So the solution is partly to tell myself that when she leaves, I will resume some kind of music for myself.</p>
<p>I completely understand, chrism. I'm making plans with a friend to continue attending theatre/musical events around town. D and I frequently enjoyed these together. I know my friend will enjoy them with me too.</p>
<p>I second the idea. I've been involved in community theatre (artistic & production) for more than 15 years. Many of the leads in our shows are health care professionals, doctors, lawyers and business owners who never get to express their artistic sides in their "real" life. They have a wide range of experiences in the theatre world, from touring with choral groups in Europe, doing state-wide gigs with wedding bands, recording jingles, playing with small symphony orchestras, etc. Two of them actually have some professional credits! Overall, this has enriched their lives immensely.</p>
<p>Really great suggestions - I totally relate to what chrism is saying. I am keeping busy in the arts by continuing to be involved in the Fine Arts Committee at our high school and (sometimes I think I'm nuts) volunteering to help the juniors and seniors auditioning for MT. I will be taking a group to Unifieds in Chicago and another group on some initial visits. All have parents who either don't have the time or inclination to help so I'm hoping to be able to give them a hand. After all of the ups and downs of learning the process, it seems a shame to put that knowledge into mothballs just because S is done! Plus the kids are delightful and really appreciate the help. We have a small high school and the guidance staff is not tuned in at all to MT. The other thing getting me through is that S (so far) is insanely happy at IWU and calls or emails regular updates so I feel as if I'm there. Still, I do miss his energetic singing...<em>sigh</em></p>
<p>I'm sure that many of us will be adding to this thread in the coming weeks. We're still on the run w/ AP tests, Prom, a class trip to Disney,and graduation in the next few weeks. My father-in-law tells me that I'll probably feel like I've fallen off a cliff in a few months, but I'm planning to focus some more attention on my relationship w/my husband, my 9th grader and myself. I'm even thinking of taking some classes myself! Good luck everyone!</p>
<p>It's funny you should say that Sarahsmom42. I am thinking the same as you. I will be just broken hearted when my daughter leaves however, I am so very excited for her. This truly is the best time of her life. Getting her independence yet still having her family there to take care of her. It's great! I'm sooooo very proud. AND... I am sooooo looking forward to having time to devote to my soon to be Jr. in high school, and my husband! And, I am thinking about getting my master's. Just to do it... not for any different job, etc. Just something different. Time to devote to "Me" a little more. Also, I hope the lunch offer still stands when we make our way up your way for school. I have to tell you though, my daughter has been asked to sing at graduation and I don't know if I will get through it without many tears. She will be singing "Don't forget to Remember me"? I think that is the title. Anyway, good luck parents! This is what we raised them to do... go off into the world and be productive, happy, educated, just down right good people!</p>
<p>hi folks....well, what a great thread. I have been posting on the "tips for teary types" over in the parent cafe also. So many of us facing the same thing and those of us weepy ones wondering who will trun off the faucet once it starts.<br>
I lost it last weekend at the final performance of Sunday in the Park with George - when she and her male lead sang "Move On" that was it for me!> If you dont know the song, look it up....it is a great song! I have to pat myself on the back as I was in NYC this weekend for their choral concert at Carnegie Hall with DD and I did NOT cry once..... I impressed myself.</p>
<p>Now is prom and then Ragtime and then oodles of choir concerts and then graduation....whew! </p>
<p>5pants - thanks for finding this thread - it wasn't spelled like I expected, which is why I couldn't find it when I was looking.</p>
<p>Everyone - you've already made me cry, and I'm not even going through the "last" things this year - last choir concert, last dance recital, last local theatre production... You know, it's really not so bad - you get to go see them perform in college and summerstock, so you have trips to plan!</p>
<p>Since I was IN the dance recital this year, with my nieces and my son's younger friends, I couldn't cry and get all teary eyed - I was too nervous! Probably a good thing! We had a blast and plan to continue with adult tap class.</p>
<p>Not a problem. This thread is good to have near by.</p>
<p>I too remember going through the empty nest syndrome like it was yesterday, but don't fear...you soon adjust and appreciate the you and me time with your significant other.</p>
<p>Look at the great things that are ahead for your dear Ss & Ds...the growing and independence...it's all amazing "Stuff" (not a fan of the word "stuff" but I will use it here). </p>
<p>My husband and I are now embarking on our sons' final year of college...in a blink it is gone. My heart races each holiday because I know each time they are home it is rare and precious. BUT that is part of the territory of being good parents...raising them and letting them go...and at the same time being there for them as the soft pillow to land upon if need be.</p>
<p>Enjoy this summer together while you have it. AND by the way, may I offer my whole-hearted congratulations to all of you on getting through this mid-evil torture of MT BFA college admissions & auditions. The "regular" people out there who go down "regular" admission avenues have no idea what you have been through....BUT all of us here on CC certainly do!!!</p>
<p>Last year, my oldest D went off to college 600 miles away to start her freshman year. I "thought" I was doing really good, I didn't even cry when we left her standing on the curb. When I got back home, all of my friends, who were going through the same thing, could barely get through the day without crying. And I kept thinking to myself, hmm, I'm doing really good! I was swamped at work, busy with younger D with band and musicals etc, no time to feel sorry for myself! Then the end of October, it hit me like a ton of bricks! Because I wasn't letting myself be sad (I wasn't doing this consciously) I developed physical symptons and anxiety. Now my baby goes off to school this fall and my husband and I will truly be MT nesters! I think this year will be even harder with both of them gone! Fortunately, they will both be in the same city, even though it is 600 miles away, I can make one trip and visit both of them. I'm planning lots of things to keep me busy: get back in to painting which I've negelected for 19 years, take a cruise, maybe start my own business, etc. but I know, it will not be the same without my D's! We have had a very close relationship and I have actually enjoyed them being teenagers! This year, I will allow myself to be sad!</p>
<p>The cruise is a great idea. My husband and I took a trip for a MONTH in Feb/ March. We saw parts of South America and Africa. Now, of course I want to go back to show my kids.....</p>