Help! Oldest daughter going off to college. We need support

anxiousmom
Sun, 29 Aug 2010 00:51:16 +0000

I may have posted on this thread a few years ago - but I can’t remember, so I’ll weigh in again. Let yourself grieve, but realize that the grief WILL subside, and you will also find much to enjoy in your empty nest. I have a DD, college graduate '08, who lives half way around the world from me. I miss her, but we SKYPE once a week, and when I get to work and log into my computer (before work hours start), she is at work in the afternoon, and we often exchange little skype text messages. DS is a rising college senior, and has lived in his college town for the last two summers. Do I miss him, He** yes, but we also text and chat on the phone, and he comes home at least 4 or 5 times a year for a short visit. H and I enjoy not having to prepare meals, and the flexibility of our nest. The house stays clean; we can come and go at will, and we have time and energy to branch out socially with friends and pursue other interests. The other life things gradually fill in the void left by missing children - and then you get to switch your focus to eagerly hoping for grandkids! I do wish I could jump back in time for a few hours or so, and hug my toddler kids, or chat with my grade-school kids, or hang out with my teenage kids, but time does not move backwards. Hugs and peace to you new empty-nesters, and have faith…