I'm about two steps behind you and not one to give advice, but it seems to me that being sensitive to it is half the battle. You sound like an awesome mom who has worked hard to build a strong relationship. As someone told me recently, all that effort and love creates bonds that aren't easily broken, even as the relationship inevitably changes. You're going through a transition. He's going through a transition. This is a moment in time and a bridge to something else. I think it's OK for him to see/know that it's a sad time for you so long as you don't leave him with the impression that he should not be pursuing his own life... or that your happiness is 100% dependent upon him, which is a burden. I've told my "kids" that I'm struggling... they've watched me cry... at the same time, I'm making a conscious effort to hover less... and telling them that I realize this is a transition and I know there is a beautiful but different relationship for us going forward. I think it may be important for our adult children to see us moving on, too, in whatever form that takes. Seems to me our actions and our words are really important... tears with the right message... may be OK as you navigate the transition. I don't have experience... I'm going through the same emotions... maybe this isn't helpful... but I'm feeling your pain and wanted to respond. Hugs to you.

My only daughter will be moving cross country in five days. She has lived with me most of her life. I am also very sad and anxious but I am trying not to let it show. I'm the meantime we are spending a lot of quality time together.

Ocean57: you are wonderful! Your comments helped me. I raised my only daughter alone. I have always been proud of the fact that I did it on my own. I am a strong, educated, professional, loving person. When my daughter left home for college, 3 hours away from home, I missed her, but we are so close, that We kept communicating on a regular basis. She did her law program in 4 years, a masters in England Cambridge, and when I picked her up at the airport upon her return, She informed me that she was going to start her career in Europe, Paris... the boy she is in love with, whom she met during her studies, wants a career in Europe. I was heartbroken... and frankly I still am. I know I should be happy she is succeeding, but I feel abandonned.. I have a job I love, I have a man in my life, I have a wonderful family, but I can't stop feeling I won" t get to live the life I was hoping to have with her in the future... I am so sad.... I have a hard time sleeping... I don't want to tell her how bad I feel... because she is going through hard adjustments ... being a young lawyer in the big leagues is really hard... I hate myself for feeling so angry and so sad... but, ocean57, you are right. I need to try to be happy for her. Thanks xx