Gentle Hugs as you work your way through the maze of re-inventing your life...you haven't
lost your daughters, they just don't live with you....the love and connection you wrote of is in all three of your hearts and will be forever. You've done your "Mom Job" well! Find your peace and fill your empty heart with being a part of their next stage of life...as a friend, to guide as they move into adulthood.
My son left home a year and a month ago...I am a single parent, and I have no business, no family or a church to support me in my journey. At the moment, I'm feeling quiet depressed, but I know I've done what I can for my son, he will make his own decisions and fall...I have no grand hope for my son as you have for your daughters. I can only pray one day he will be happy, find someone to love him so he won't be alone in the world when I die.
We all walk our own path towards creating a life for ourselves after our kids have gone, the empty place in our home, well as with a death and grieving seems to lessen, yet still remains...I guess acceptance of what is, and seeking happiness, to find joy wherever it can be found, and feeling gratitude...anyway, that is how I manage to get though my day.

If you read my reply to the other thread you posted on, you'll see none of us has a solution to this dilemma! It is hard - because there's so many conflicting emotions involved at the same time - and it never ends. We just have to soldier on, and as mlr0853 says, try and find some happiness in life, and count our blessings - one day at a time. I tend to go to bed early if I'm feeling really low and alone - just to get today over with. I always feel more alone in the evenings, as I'm trapped indoors (no car and you'd be mad to walk around this neighborhood at night) so let's get it over with and tomorrow will be a new day. If I don't go out I feel much worse, so I try and catch the bus daily (buses are very sociable places) for a long ride to town, then walk from one end of town to the other, just for the exercise, because exercise lifts your mood. I use a walking stick so I don't walk fast, but it's good to be out, no matter what the weather - plus of course there are shops to distract my mind, plenty of people-watching to do (one of my favorite pastimes - people are so interesting!) and so the day goes - home - dinner - internet - bed. One day at a time.

I've been advised to take on a cat or dog from a rescue, as there are thousands languishing needing love, and they do give you that special someone to nurture again, but I don't want the chores or worry at the moment. It's something to consider if you enjoy routine and cleaning etc. though - I watch all the dog rescue videos on youtube meanwhile - Hope for Paws and Soi Dog in Thailand particularly need adopters, if you want to go down that route.

Good luck and best wishes - we all know how you feel! xxx

PS - I have managed to find some voluntary work one afternoon a week too, which is the highpoint of my life at the moment - I love it as I feel needed again. My city has a voluntary workers organisations which publishes a newsletter with current vacancies in - see if your city has something similar, because it's a great way to pass the time and feel valued again.

Thank you, miro853. I felt the hug. I hope you find a group to connect with. I'' so new at this form of grief, but I know I would be lost without my little church and the friends I've made there. One thing is for sure, it sounds like your son will always have the love of his mother. So sweet you sound. Thank you for the encouraging words. I took them to heart.

Thank you also, Edana. You are right. I need to find some distractions. I work a lot, but that particular brand of busy doesn't really seem to ease the pain. I have a super swee tcat who is currently trying to get me to put down my phone haha, But I do need to do some volunteering. And my bet friend encouraged me to find some books on the topic of empty nest and possibly join an in-person support group a night or two a week. My cousin invited me to start going with her on Thursday nights to a Celebrate Recovery class (not sure how that applies but I guess it would be a distraction) and then to work out with her and her girlfriends after. I think I will. I''ll let you know if it helps.

I so feel your pain. The positive thing is that you are still emotionally close to your daughters. It is also positive that you have good friends and a church you attend. Three months ago my daughter, who is 24, decided to kick me out of her life. I have 2 grandkids I cannot visit anymore, ages 7 and 1. It is breaking my heart. The saddest part is, she had no reason to cut me out of her life. Her boyfriend seems to make all of her decisions for her now. After repeated requests to visit my grandkids, she has ignored every one and there is no more contact. So although I have no advice, I do know how you feel but maybe in a different scenario. I always thought my daughter and I would remain close when she grew up, but sadly that has not happened. I am very sad, but there is nothing I can do but pray and hope she wants to see me again at some point. Good luck and I hope you can visit both of your daughters soon.