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

gloworm
Sun, 29 Aug 2010 08:51:33 +0000

HomeschoolMom2,

As an 8-year empty nester, I can tell you it never will be the same, very different, and it will take time.

My now 29-yo told us at the age of 16 that when he finished w/college (UG) he was moving to Europe. We said “yeah, right”. He did, and has been there now for 7+years, getting married next July.

Ten days after he left, his younger sister went away to bs for high school, so we were empty nesters 4 years sooner than we expected. Both kids gone within 10 days.

After bs, daughter went away to college 1200 miles away where she just began her last year. We drove the 1200 miles earlier this month to move her into her apartment. I spent 5 days with her, then flew home. We both cried at the airport. Every time I have had to say good-bye to either of my children, I cry, but I get it.

During her study abroad last year, my daughter decided she, too, was going to live in the same country as her brother. She already has a job offer, if she wants it, for when she graduates.

This country is where my husband was born and raised. We met when I was studying there, but have lived in the USA for 34 years. In 4 years we retire, then plan to go there.

Skype is your friend, as anxiousmom said. It hasn’t been easy, it is what it is. You don’t even have to post to feel the support from the CC community. I’ve been coming here for a long time.