You still have some time before he leaves the nest. make the most of it create some happy moments. You will be okay I'm time.

Thank you for your reply and logically I understand and know that I have more time and make the most of the time we have.. but already I feel like he has one foot out the door. He is acting different and growing up but I still miss my little boy, I know part of life but still hard for me.

I understand your feelings, my oldest left for college in August and it is hitting me hard. I was ok until this past week when it all came home. Everyone says it will pass but, like you, I feel lost. Everything says it is normal, but it feels awful.

Hi Growndad, I agree that yes it's an awful feeling, and normal. How are you feeling with your oldest being in college? My son is looking at colleges in different states and that is hard for me too but just trying to take it one step at a time somedays one minute at a time :)

I feel like you, your post resonated with me, My son selected a school out of state as well. I feel ya about the one minute at a time. The stupidest little things set me off, I drive by a park where I used to take him to play when he was little. The parking lot where I taught him to drive, restaurants we used to go to. I was at the grocery the other day and I had picked up a couple of items that I used to buy for him, but I don't even like. Just out of habit. Lol, I felt like an idiot.

Grown dad, I probably will do similar things. I already do getting food that he likes even if he isn't at home, ( he traveled extensively this summer ) and I still bought his favorite breakfasts and drinks etc :)

Jeez, we're a pair, aren't we. I guess it shows how much we invested in our kiddos. THEY BETTER AMOUNT TO SOMETHING!

hahahahh, yes. I am teaching my son to drive right now ( he waited a while to get his permit but finally got it) it has been a white knuckle experience but he is getting better everyday and perfect example of me having to let go and release and know he will be fine :) It was sweet my son said " I hope you are going to be okay with me gone next year." I don't want us to exchange roles and want him to do the things a freshmen is supposed to do , make mistakes, fall in love a few times, make friends, take classes and really embrace the college experience and not worry his mom is falling to pieces.

You are absolutely right, you knew that all along though. Its sweet that he is worried about you, you know you have to tell him you will be fine. You don't want to burden him with your fears, he'll have enough of his own. Going away to college is terrifying for every 18 year old. He will be homesick, you will have to send your love & support so he can overcome it. All while your heart is breaking,
Its a wild ride.

It is a wild ride, for sure! We have two back to back in our home, currently they are 20 and 21 and were home schooled through high school. It was SO HARD to see them enroll and off to college classes. I felt very lost, alone and unsure about my changing role. Transition times are scary, but also a great time to invest back into relationships and passions/interests that have long been put on the back burner to parent full time. Our kids now need us in a different capacity, more cheerleader than hands-on parenting.
Have you considered starting a new hobby on the heels of when he leaves? Perhaps a pottery class or a fun art class you and your hubby can attend together. Maybe putting together a scrap book of memories to give to your son as a college bound trip or graduation present so he can have a little piece of home with him while away at college next year. The senior year is super busy for teens, try to carve out "date" times with him to steal away quality time for just you and him. Reassure him you will work through all the emotions of it all as you don't want to burden him with worry over Mom being okay with him moving on to college. College is all out busy and difficult!
This too shall pass Mom, you will adjust, but take time to mourn the passing of this season, be open and honest with your husband and lean on him as he leans on you over this transition. You'll do great in the end, enjoy this year fully!!

Thanks RoseyViolet for your kind words and ideas. He and I just returned from a scouting trip to Seattle where it was the first trip with just my son and I in years and we had so much fun. Loved the Museum of Pop, so cool. I am trying to make every second count and my husband is currently working on arranging a fun family trip for next year to celebrate graduation for our current Junior. Time is going by so fast. Thanks again for your support I appreciate it:)