I'm feeling old and sad today :(

What a successful & blessed Mother you've been...you've taught your children well and sent them off into the world. Think of it as time for the Momma bird to teach them to fly and then it's time for them to try out their wings and leave the nest.

You did good, now it's their turn, I can only imagine what you're going through, keep taking care of yourself and you'll make it through this though it may be hard and painful.

((((Maggie))))))

Becca

I know how you feel ! My two children are grown and out on their own. My daughter will be 24 in 3 1/2 weeks and has a wonderful husband, a beautiful 17 month old baby girl and a beautiful home of their own. My son is 20 and lives with his wonderful girlfriend. It is such an adjustment and kind of scary too because I, like you, was a very active busy mom with two children consuming my life and time totally and boooooom one day they are grown and on their own.
Just remember "We did one fantastic job raising our children" when we can look at them and see them using all the tools that we have taught them along the way.
Now you get to put yourself first for the first time in many many years.....It's weird but I promise - it will get easier !

you should be feeling so proud of yourself as you've done a fab job!! things will be a little strange to begin with, but more time for YOU.... my son is leaving at the end of the month... thats gonna make my house so quiet!! Enjoy the new time you have for yourself and look for interesting hobbies that youve been meaning to do for ages.. xx

You have VERY much to be proud of - 4 kids all decided to go to college - that's almost miraculous - most other mom's would be jealous of that fact alone - empty nest syndrome or no
You know what - how about giving yourself some time to grieve for the loss of the company of your crew
And then decide to do something and i mean something big to do with your time from now on - start small of course but with an ultimate goal of having a rather impressive creative outlet like starting your own food bank - or becoming a teacher of second-lauguage classes or any class - or get a degree yourself
ya know you said you're kinda jealous your daughter gets to go to europe for herself at her age - how about saving up the money and getting yourself there for a longterm trip for yourself at your age - all different ages equals all different experiences not greater or lesser experiences - ya know now that your children are grown there's no reason why you can't trust one or more of them to take c/o your home/pets and whatnot for you
whadaya think?
either way - you've already a goal that youre working on - really put yourself into it and accomplish it - i know you can - find whatever motivation you can to get you there
since you've already accomplished so much there's no reason why you can't accomplish just as much impressive stuff just different stuff - OR - take a huge leap and foster some children - the thought of that alone might get you out of your funk

Some great thought you put into this post, so glad you shared, it really hit my heart reading it!

How true, to have ALL your children interested and able to be college bound is beyond awesome!!! Yes, you've done many things right and now it's time to see how they do without Mom and for Mom time again, ahhh the endless possibilities

I only have one of my 3 left at home now, My son (my baby!) will be 18 in a few days. He is still in the sixth form (went back today) for his final year and then I don't know if he will go to college or Uni etc, But I am very proud of him as he has ADHD and PDD on the Autistic Spectrum and not only did they tell me he would get worse as he got older, they also told me he would not attend mainstream school. Well he proved them wrong on both counts and is doing pretty good with his life, He is studying for a BTEC in sports, is a talented and gifted athlete and has a great part time job as a chef in a lovely old village pub. My oldest daughter (22) is the Assistant Manager at a travel agent and lives in a GREAT appartment, has travelled to Egypt, Cape Verdi, Spain, Turkey, Cofu and Mexico and the middle Daughter (19) is at University on the Mainland studying to be a Nurse, she is living in a slightly dodgy area but loves it as it is near the shops and town. She s currently on placement in a Coronary Care Unit.

I am SO proud of them, it doesn't make me sad that they are all growing and leaving, it is, after all, what I want for them all. I love and cherish them, love to have them round us at Christmas and at other times (although they are rarely all together)

This is at my Wedding last year (almost my anniversary) My Son gave me away and my girls were my bridesmaids. Made me SO proud.



Be proud of how good a Mum you must be to have them all able and willing to leave and make a life for themselves! Well done!