Letting go. (sigh)

[HopeHoops]

Perhaps the hardest part of parenting is recognizing that a child is an adult and you've moved from authoritarian to adviser. Two of my three daughters are 18+ now. The third is only a year and a quarter away. I'm feeling old.

[MuseRider]

1. Hugs

I thought I would die when my first left (there is a long ago thread where people posted all kinds of silliness to get me through that time) and then when the second left I thought I would die again. Letting go is hard but you know that this is what you worked for and if they are successful then you were successful.

My youngest is 26 and the oldest is soon to be 28. I can't believe how old that makes me feel. Still, it is good this way. I love having adult children. Almost as much as I loved having them all the way until they left. I wish they lived in my town but they are close enough to see frequently.

You have earned a rest, ya did good. You got them raised and I bet they will be good people and good citizens. Your new life is just that close to beginning.

[Melissa G]

2. more hugs.

Sympathy as well.

One moved across the country this summer and another is leaving in a year to a year and a half. I'll be done then... I hope.

You know the odds are that they come back these days. I think older girl will not, husband is less sure about the younger one.

[HopeHoops]

3. Thanks. The eldest is spending the entire next semester in Budapest.

She's been to Europe twice already, but for shorter periods (like 2 weeks each). This is going to be a REALLY long time! Frankly, her dog will probably have the toughest time with it.