Bittersweet feelings

[Oriole]

Every day we get closer and closer to dsd "leaving the nest". Once in a while the reality begins to set in, what a strange life it will be! No projects, no drop offs at work, no high school drama, no spur of the moment Saturday morning outings, no chocolate chip cookies, no cheesy-movie nights, no arguments over the phone usage, no loud music, no trips to the library, no cupcakes just because, no braiding the hair, no cleaning up sessions before the guests get here...

The truth is, I haven't been with DP without dsd around. I look forward to it, and I dread it at the same time. I can't believe how big of a change is coming our way, and while I'm certain she can't wait to start her own life, I feel like it's a train heading our way, and there is no way to stop it.

Does anyone know what I'm talking about? I can't be the only person in the world feeling this way, can I?

[karne]

I'm a ways away from this, but I have to say that I got a little choked up reading your post! I can't imagine life w/out the kids here. Hugs to you!

[ollyoxenfree]

I know exactly how you feel. DS is 16, only has a year and a half left of school, and is making plans to travel overseas for a year after he finishes. We don't know where he'll end up for uni, but it could be far away from home. I left home for uni when I was 17, so I know it's natural. I'm glad that we've done our parenting well enough that he has the confidence to venture out on his own. I am going to miss him desperately though. Thank goodness it will be a few more years before DD leaves us too.

Every season that passes, I think about activities and events we can participate in as a family. It's an urge to create a storehouse of family memories. We've taken a few special family trips in the past year. We're planning a few more for 2010, along the lines of "we've always wanted to do/see ______".

That train is picking up steam....

[mtiger]

You're not the only one. Mine is just 18, graduates in June, and then is off to college. It'll be different. I'll still have my daughter home, but she and her brother are very tight, so I expect a rough autumn. Luckily, that's FH season, so she'll be very busy.

BUT... This is what we raised them to do. Instead of dwelling on what will be (or won't), I revel in how independent he is, and the opportunities he has coming. It's a beautiful thing.

[Storm Bride]

I have my three younger (much) kids, so I'm not feeling exactly the same way, but I do get it. DS1 is 17 in March, and has one more full year of high school. Sometimes, it hits me from out of nowhere that he'll actually be leaving...that in just a few short years, he won't live with me, anymore. He's been so much a part of everything I've done for such a long time. It will feel so strange not to hear him rambling about video games, singing bits of songs around the house, recounting every move he made in gymnastics, playing with his siblings on the floor...just such an incredibly huge change, in every way. It's awesome to see him grow up, but definitely hard ot imagine home without him.

[pixiekisses]

Oh yeah, well, not completely since I still have young kids at home. But last year when my girl moved out (or actually, the year before that since it's a new year now) I was almost heartbroken. It was awful, and great, at the same time. Great in the sence that it was a big step, milestone, for her, and I'm so proud of her. But gosh, I didn't like not having her home all the time.
She, luckily, still comes home several times a week to eat dinner and hang with her siblings and us.
But it's certainly very weird, a huge change. The younger ones miss her too.

[E.V. Lowi]

Yes, I do know what you mean.