Each age they grow through brings a different person out. I bet there is more fun ahead for you both. Letting them grow is the BEST part of being a parent. Watching to see how well we have done is a great reward. Sounds like you have done well and as I said at first, I bet there is more fun ahead.
Blessings to you both

Hi Kimberley, I do relate! Great advice and insight from bluedogs, by the way...good perspective. : )

My oldest just turned 16 -- I homeschooled him too for several years (kinder through 5th) and he will be driving soon as well. He and I have always been close, and now he gets mail from colleges every day and it makes me get a lump in my throat! Oh how I will miss him!

Thank you again bluedogs for your reply, as it was a comfort to me too. : )

Kimberley, sending you a hug of support and empathy...

my baby is now in his (ahem) 30's and each step they take in life can feel like they are moving miles away...even tho they aren't ...they don't call it bittersweet for nothing ....

Both of my children are grown now [a boy and a girl] and have families of their own. I have to admit, I enjoyed them at each age of their growing up, and even more so as adults. They are informed and entertaining adults, and it is always a blessing to have meaningful conversations with them. Now we have grandkids that fill our lives and it is like starting over with our kids, but without all the responsibility, just the fun. What I am saying is that some of the best times can lay ahead of us, and enjoy the fact that you raised decent children to become decent adults, and you can enjoy them for the rest of your life.

Thanx everyone!

PastorSteve your reply made me smile!! What a wonderful perspective. And I do hope I'm blessed enough to be a grandma one day. : )

She's not leaving you; she's going to find herself!

Hi Kendra, love that thought - I'm going to snag that quote and post it where I can remember it. It's very poignant!

Paster Steve your so right. Grand kids are a bonus from god, it is like starting all over again in many ways. Such as that overwhelming feeling of love & protectiveness.

Yes Kimberly I can relate. My youngest went off to school 2 hrs away, doesn't sound far but for a mom it's far enough. It's like cutting a second cord. I'll tell you the first year we packed her up to leave everyone got into their cars & I remained in the house a few minutes on my own just staring at her room.
Tears pouring knowing it would never be the same.
Although we go through this each time she leaves since that first year I've realized a couple things.

She will always be our girl & we are still very much needed. We never stop being moms or parents.
I'm in awe of the young women she's becoming & proud of the values we have instilled. It can be exciting & yes a little scary watching them spread their wings & launching into "grown up life & the real world". Of course that starts before they ever leave home but its different.

It's bitter sweet. In would say we are still bonding but in different ways.
My phone rang constantly when she first left & I realized it was just as hard for her. So I did my job & reassured her. With the snap of a finger I went from wishing she was home to wanting her to be comfortable and happy. It's not easy watching them leave the nest but in some ways it's like watching them take their first steps all over again. You realize like then your still gently holding their hand.
Yep bitter sweet.
Perhaps to sum it up no matter where they go the parent/child bond remains. After years of raising them I realize its how it should be. That's what makes us parents. Full time job for life.
God bless Sammy

i have only one. she is 2.5. i am not planning for another one. i was diagnosed 10 yrs ago. now i am enjoying a lot with her. me and my hubby always talk about this. what if she gets big and goes far away from us for her college? i used to say she has lead her life. she has to be something in her life. kendra said right. i used to give a very brave answer to my hubby. but after reading your post, i was tearful. i dont know why. i know how hard it is to part with someone too close to our hearts. but try to be brave. this is the first step in their life ............ they should learn what life is.

i was gathering so many pics, toys, dresses, and so many memories from her birth so that me and hubby can enjoy them when she is out for her college and .......... i am preplanned. but now i need to mentally prepare for that too. i dont know how will i face that situation in the future, but hope i can handle.

thats good she said she loves you alot. felt happy for you. mom has a special place in their kids' heart. they can never forget mom. so even she goes away from you, keep in mind that she always loves you. let her enjoy her life. good luck for her and you too.

You have all offers such wisdom and comfort. I am grateful for all of you who gave shared your personal experience. I know I can let her go she is in Gods hands. I will always be here for her. I guess I was really feeling selfish. She will be fine, but will I. Lol. Not looking forward to loneliness. But I will find a way. I will just try to stay busy.

madhurl, enjoy this time, it sounds like you are, as it goes by very quickly. It doesn't seem like it when they are young and you can't even go to the bathroom by yourself but next thing you know they are ready to leave. My son will go off to college in August, I don't know where the time went. I'm inspired by some of the posts here but wonder if it's really ever the same with a son as it is with a daughter....boys/men don't talk much and they are never ever really in the same relatable shoes that a daughter is.

I see my friends who have daughters and there seems to be a special bond that isn't there with a son.