Quiltin'Lady

All I can say is that it does get better, truly. May I also suggest that you find this book, "Letting Go: A Parents' Guide to Understanding the College Years." (http://www.amazon.com/Letting-Go-Fif...6553381&sr=1-1) I found it very helpful in knowing what to expect -- both at my end and for my son.

Many years have passed since my oldest left home. I divorced, went back to school myself, and then met and married a most wonderful man. I treasure the time we have together "just us," as well as when one or the other of our children / grandchildren come to visit. You'll get there, too. [Hopefully you won't have to take as many steps to get there as I did, though!]

In the meantime, think of all the time you have to quilt now!! :lol:

Debbie B

Wow...you just made me feel a lot better.

Debra Mc

My baby will be 17 on the 30th. He will be a junior this next school. I am totally dreading his graduation. His brother & sister were 16 & 11 when he was born so he is like an only child now. I will be a basket case when the day comes. He is my everything. He wants to play college football so I don't know where he may end up. Could be out of state but where ever mama is gonna be close by some how. I feel your pain, I know we have to let them grow up but it is so hard. I forgot to mention that he is diabetic so that makes it even harder as I worry about him so much more. Hugs

Honey

We work so hard to make them independent and then grieve when they are. Life can be such hoot sometimes. When our oldest and only daughter moved out I waved with a smile on my face until they were out of site. Then I locked myself in the bathroom and cried till I was sick. It was the same with our boys. But one or another have been in and out for a while. Now have our youngest and his 2 year old son. I know this will not last forever, so I just try to enjoy each day. Some days it's harder than others, cause we are geting set in our ways, but it's doable. Just let yourself have one good cry then pull it together and start a new quilt and say a prayer with each stitch!! That will help both of you.

Woodster

When my middle daughter went from CO to WA to go to college, I'd cry every time I walked by her room. It took me a couple of weeks (or so) and a few kicks in the butt to get over it! She was the first to leave the nest. It wasn't as hard with the third one.

RugosaB

I made it through my baby saying "I want to join the Navy" even though the vietnam war was the big thing as I was growing up. Through his experience I learned how very different things are now.
You'll be fine. You'll be Mom forever and can always have pride looking back and seeing what you've accomplished, a son to be proud of! I was kind of sad but then realized, this will always be a 'soft place to fall,' so many kids don't even have that

Joan

I can totally relate to your feelings having seen our three children leave home to go to college. The summer before the first one left was so exciting for me. We spent a great deal of time shopping for linens and things she would need for her dorm room. As the day to leave approached, I was just as happy and excited as she was until.........we dropped her off and I saw her wave from her second story window....WOW----what a wave of emotions and reality set in. I cried all the way home (and it was a four hour ride......)

It was hard for awhile, I won't argue with you. At least, when the the next two went away I was better prepared. I always said that communities should have support groups for mothers of children going off to college.

But, I was and am very proud of the people they have become. I still keep in close contact with all three. Seeing your children grow up and make choices about life partners and jobs and such is exciting! You'll like that part. In the meantime, keep busy and please know that you are not alone and that your feelings are quite normal to boot!

(as a postscript, I have to add that for various reasons each of the three came home for extended visits that lasted months----the boomerang phenomena of this generation!)

lots2do

I am feeling much better, as well. You have been very helpful. Quiltin' Lady, I'll look for that book - sounds like just what I need.

Yesterday, DS said to me in a happy, goofy tone: "Momma, I'd gonna miss you next year." Guess we are both adjusting to the idea. (I do have to add, he's been a lot more pleasant to be around since the grad. and orientation is out of the way,hope it lasts).

Seven days until I can concentrate on quilting...yippee.

Katie

I am so glad you started this thread as I am also going thru this.
Our family is a mixed group - he had 3 and I had 3 when we got together, after 3 years we had our son. As each one grew up and moved away my heart would crack a little, I would spend sleepless nights and worry but would eventually adjust as I found that they were doing all right and were really not that far away. This year our youngest graduated from high school, he left Saturday for his first job as a summer camp counselor 5 hours away and would not hear of us driving down with him, He will be home in about 6 weeks long enough to get things together to leave for college at least 6 hours away. My head tells me all the things that you are saying, I should be proud and happy that he can go but my heart is breaking in half. It feels like this is going to be one of this things that I will not easily adjust to.

Debra Mc

Hang tough Katie. My day is coming & I'm not real happy about it either. :thumbup: