<p>DS is now a freshman, and I had a very hard time all through his senior year just anticipating his departure. In fact, the anticipation (tears/worries/grief) was actually worse than when he left. In some ways I think the months before a kid’s departure are almost like a pregnancy - nine months to get ready for a big change! Like others have posted, we fell into a great routine as a couple and having DS home for an extended winter break was hard. Was also hard to miss him once again when he left. These are years of many mixed emotions, but we are doing our job when we are letting them go – and when we are giving ourselves new opportunities.</p>