| I'm about to send my youngest child off to college, too. However, this summer he is home, as is S1, about to be a senior in college. Knowing that this is S1's last summer at home and S2's last summer before college makes it particularly a bittersweet time. H and I are appreciating our time with them so much. D1, our oldest, moved to Germany with her soldier husband this year, so that's not making it any easier.
I've been doing some things in preparation for the upcoming empty nest year. Last year I started attending a ladies' Bible study group at my church. I had not had time to do that before S2 got his license. This coming year I plan to teach a chemistry class once a week for home schooled students. I made friends with a young mom from my church who needs a break with her 2 year old and infant, so they come over to my house one afternoon a week and we visit. I kind of get to do the mom thing with her and even get to practice being a grandma! I have also been making a point to call old friends and make lunch plans every 2-3 weeks.
I would like to do the Martha Stewart thing, too, but frankly my history is of having big plans but little follow through, so we'll see about that.
I do think we have to be proactive in coming up with new interests for ourselves during this time. Otherwise it is too easy to just be sad.
OP, also remember that this empty nest time often comes at the same time as pre-menopause. This can really add to the emotional difficulty. If, after your D has been gone a month or so, you find that you are crying every day, you should really talk to your dr. about that. | 
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