Empty Nest Syndrome

Italy
April 19, 2007 5:58am CST
Anybody gone through the Empty Nest Syndrome? How do you feel when your kids leave for college away from home? My nest is not empty yet, my youngest child is still in High School and is living with me but my oldest son (19) is in his first year of college in England. We live in Rome. He was home for 3 weeks for Easter Vacations and left today. Though I am happy to see him live his own life and proud to see he become a good healthy young man, I just feel SO sad and empty right now. It's like somebody cut out a piece of me. I know I'll be better in a few days... Also, the shooting in the college in Virginia has shocked me so much. My heart goes to all those parents whose children were killed. All my prayers.
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1 response
texasclassygal
@texasclassygal (5305)
• United States
19 Apr 07
I am a empty nester, my children are 25 and 27 years old and although they did not leave the nest right after they graduated high school it was more like they would not leave the nest and I had to leave it for them, which I did, I moved to the eastcoast and lived on my own for the past 5 years. The first years were very lonely and very sad, I missed them terribly but now that I have moved back to the same state they are in I find it much better not having them live with me. While I love them terribly I love watching them grow into wonderful adults with their own lives and their own children. Life is a wonderful blessing. The lonliness will pass just as missing them does too, sometimes it takes a bit of time, but mine passed after the first year.
chamina
@chamina (12)
• Italy
19 Apr 07
It felt good to hear from somebody who has experienced it. You know, I had my kids rather young so most of my friends have small children and are not going through this yet. I just spoke to him and he arrived safely and happily to college. You are right. Life is a wonderful blessing and watching your children become wonderful adults is thrilling! Thanks :)