You sound so normal to me, too. The youngest is always the hardest. My girls (24 and 26) both live within 5 miles of me, and I still have a twinge of empty nest syndrome from time to time. Make him a quilt to take with him (and one for you), give him a hug, and say your prayers. It will get easier.

When my son went away to school, we agreed that he would be the one to call me when he had the time to talk. Its been years and he still calls. Keep up with them on facebook if you can, it's real nice seeing pictures. I am sorry you are going through this and it is difficult. Make some time to do something special for you. You can also start cooking and freezing food because those college kids sure do get hungry!
The best thing is that you will make it through this just fine. Best Wishes....

You will be fine. Trust me...My youngest is 19 and my oldest is 23. My oldest graduated from OSU and has been to two different countries. I thought I would die. I am very close to both of my boys. My youngest will move to OSU in Sept. for his second year of college. He stayed home for his first year. I have come to realize that they miss me as much as I miss them. My oldest still comes home for weekends even though he has his own place. I have learned to completly cherish every minute with them. Its an amazing feeling to see them grow into wonderful men. So, just enjoy the new advenure in their lives and in yours. I have time for myself once in awhile now and they still come home often. I won't say its easy but you will adjust. I sew more now than I have ever been able to.

Judy in Ohio

My mom (she was a very wise woman) said:

If one's child no longer "needs" his/her parent, that parent did a very good job raising this child.

I was happy my son wanted to go to JR college so he would be home, then I was happy when he went to the 4 year and the dorm, now HEEEeeeE's Baaack!

I want that room! Especially the closet! I need a guest room and another place to hide some stash.

Mom, it will be OK, this is just like skinned knees and tonsilitis, not fun at the moment, but one of the realities we face. He will be fine, you too!

You are completely normal!! When my DD moved out, I spent a whole week crying....but then I realized I could use her room as a full time sewing room :twisted:

Things to do that help: Rediscover your hubby; go on a quilting retreat with friends; re-do your sewing room; do those things that you haven't done that you've always wanted to but couldn't because you had a kid at home (weekend getaways with DH?), etc.

And don't forget to pat yourself on the back for doing a great job in raising him.... :D

This board is better than a Hallmark Card !!!

I feel that no matter the circumstances, healthy or not, when the time comes to "let go" it is with a roller coaster of emotions (especially if you get to experience it with the onset of menopause).

My kids have been in and out for the last 3-4 years. The two younger (girls, one married now) are about 5 1/2 hours away. My son (the oldest) moved out once and then we moved across the country and he stayed where he was. That was the first time I was ever separated that far and it killed me. Six months later all of our circumstances changed and he moved out with us. He's been with us for a year and a half and has been such a blessing.

A few weeks ago he announced he was all set to move again. This time a long two days drive away. Totally new surroundings. He's going in just about two weeks. I cry every night and he and I are having our great talks each night.

Yes, I'm happy for him as so many new things will open up for him. I know this is the way it's supposed to be, how (for the most part) my parents felt when I left and moved across the country, taking three of their grandkids.

I already have a sewing room so it's not a matter of using his space to fill the void.

I want them to be happy but the selfish part of me wants me to be near so I can watch and see it all unfold for them. What can I say, that's part of how I love them. I'm gonna be a complete wreck when he leaves the door the day he goes. I've never been good with "goodbyes" my entire life, no matter who it is.

I never tell my kids Goodbye- Always see you later! That is right after Drive carefully!! LOL And I never watch them pull out, I am superstitious I guess.

Mine are 37 and 30...and I really didn't experience the ENS because I got divorced at the same time the kids were leaving...then met and married William...life was a flurry of activity. I got a new job, all of that.

When I did finally start feeling the pains of ENS, I volunteered at Big Brothers/Big Sisters... I had a wonderful teen girl to hang out with and do things with... it was fun, and I made a wonderful friend! :)