Hello from another 53 yr old...wishing I was an empty nester LOL!
The goal all of us have is to raise our kids so they become productive adults. And start lives of their own. My youngest is 24, not college material and really struggled after high school to find a job (this recession hit this segment of society hard) Its difficult for a 19 yr old fresh out of high school looking for blue collar work to compete with unemployed adults with college behind them and a family. He is employed now and will move out as soon as he pays us back some $$.
My focus is now on preparing for retirement and all the fun that will be.
Try to look forward ...its very exciting to watch your birds get their wings.