DS is 18 and for the last 2 years off and on I can't help but cry over stuff. No one sees my because I don't let them. DD is 14 but for some reason I usually get sad thinking about our son. I guess because he is easier to deal with and he is more like me than DD is.

It just scares me to see them grow up and worry so much about how they will make it on their own. I am sure they will be fine they are both great kids.

This was the first Halloween since they were born that I didn't have to take one of them trick or treating.....that made me cry.

I totally understand what you are feeling. My daughter has been out of college and living 3000 miles away in LA now for a year...she is 22..my son is a junior in high school, age 17, and I find myself constantly feeling very 'alone'. It was always just the three of us on vacations, and anything else. I am reminiscing about past good times already...and trying to enjoy every minute with my son who is still at home...

I am nervous about when he goes away..I am afraid i will be very upset then. I have had moments of feeling very sad, down and even crying already. I am planning on speaking with someone about all of this as I move into this phase. Being a single mom, and a nurse is all I've ever known for the past 16 years...I'm scared losing a part of me, and how much I will miss my kids and all the fun we've always had together...


I reallly don't like this part of my life coming up...

Lisa

where is he giong to go to college ? Do you have any other things that you do ? Hobbies that involve you gettting together with friends .. look into your local soroptomist group, or the water aerobics class at the local YMCA, you can volunteer ,, time to start looking at what else you can fill your time with.

It's a really tough time and I remember it well. My kids are now 38, 36, 34, 30, 28 and 24. My oldest was the hardest of all of them. He left for Marine Corps boot camp only 3 days after High School graduation. He and his best friend went in together (Desert Storm). My heart was broken but at the same time, I was extremely proud. As each one left home, I went through it all over again, but it did get a little easier. There are now 15 Grandchildren in our family and I cherish every family gathering with all my heart.

THAT!! I am married but as a mom I aways was the one to take kids here and there....

((((hugs))))

I know exactly how you feel as well......my older son got married last year at 21, and last month he moved 2 states away to Colorado, and my 12 year old son is almost as tall as I am (5'9") and I know what is coming down the road because I have been down it with my older son but always had my younger son to keep me company. We talked on Skype yesterday and even though I am not there, at least I could see his smiling face and know that he is happy, which is the most important thing that we mom's want for our kids, no matter how much it hurts, no matter how much our hearts will ache.

Hugs, Barb

My son is planning on going 1/2 way across country to Chicago to Northwestern for college in 2 years...I am a full time nurse and have a home business as well. I belong to many groups and organizations..so keeping busy isn't what i'm worried about..it's the loss of my children not being around...and remembering all the fun things we did when they were growing up that I can never have again! THat 's what has me sad

Lisa

My oldest left for university 4 years ago and it was the hardest thing ever!! I hated that my nuclear family was breaking up. I loved my life the way it was and I didn't want it to change. 5 days after he left, he called and said "THIS HAS BEEN THE BEST WEEK OF MY ENTIRE LIFE" and I knew that it was good, and right, and the way things should be. He lives 2.5 hours away full time now, and he and his g.f. only get home a bit, but we can go visit at least once a month and take them out for dinner or something.

My youngest (I have 2 boys) left for Bible College this fall and it wasn't nearly as difficult. He is very happy too. The web is amazing for keeping in touch - you just have to find the way that THEY like to communicate. If I want to talk to my oldest it is the landline or MSN. My youngest is Facebook all the way. I don't care, as long as they talk to me.

There are benefits too. I actually have my very own car again!!

Mary

I know exactly what your saying where did all those years go. I really miss having little daughters.
My husband and I were just realizing this was our first year not carving a pumpkin. It went by to fast

Oh my goodness! how did you raise 6 kids so close in age? Wow and 15 grandchildren I would love to be blessed with that many grandchildren. Christmas must be exciting at your house.

I feel for you Fried. I just sent my daughter to Alaska to get married and start school. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, she is only 18. Be comforted in the fact that you have raised them right and that they will become fine, fine adults.

Hugs,
Jeaninne

thanks for all the kind comments and I am so glad I found all of you ladies ..(((hugs)))

I started very young...had my first baby at 17 and I was lucky to be able to stay home while my husband worked. I didn't go to work outside my home till my last one was in middle school. I thought it was easy back then. I doubt I would have been able to do it in this day and age.

My youngest child went to college this fall and then I got the chance for some work that kept me so busy I didnt' think about it. Well, that job was temporary and now I am out of work again and this is the first week without any kids or work and I must say it is awful. I feel like I have lost my purpose. I know they still need me, trust me, the calls still come in with advice and life's difficulties for the, the worry never leaves, but I am going about my day aimlessly and feel like I have lost my way. I totally understand your sadness. As much as I love the age they are at for so many reasons, it is still hard to know that those days when they were little are gone. I could go on and on but now i am getting teary thinking about it, so I will sign off. Hang in there, enjoy them, and hug them.

I used to get mellow about the kids growing up too, but let me assure you, you have wonderful times ahead. When they go on to be successful individuals, marry, have kids, a whole new realm of life is going to open up for you too. All is not lost and there are truly wonderful days ahead.

Retriever2 (DD)

I totally agree with you! Now that mine are all grown, happy and successful adults and parents themselves, I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family!

I know how you feel my youngest is 10 and part of me wants her to grow up but another part would like her to stay young I'm just getting that not needed feeling