Puposeless? NO! You can look back and point to these beautiful children and say you did a mighty fine job raising them. Way to go! Good job!

What can you do now? You can still be present for them. They will always need their mom whether that be a phone call about a recipe or other 'how-to' or a shoulder to cry on.

I recommend a few other distractions in addition to that job. Take advantage of the near empty nest to discover yourself. After all, you married at 20 so you missed out on doing this earlier in your life. Find some interests to follow. Be gentle on yourself. Give yourself permission to use the freedom. Your children will appreciate this. They will be saying, "Look at my mom!" so very proudly.

When my children (now 32 and 27) left home I found myself feeling pretty aimless. I made a concerted effort to do some new things. I attended an introduction to kayaking demo day. Before you knew it, I discovered I had a giant passion for the outdoors - which has carried me through to today near ten years later. I identify myself as a whole new person. My children are proud of it. Your children will be proud of you whatever path you choose to take.

Your children are still very young. Try not to worry and concern yourself with their futures quite yet. My eldest, my daughter, went back to University at age 31 having finally realised her own path and desired career in life. It took a little to get there but I am so proud and she is such an inspiration to me. And, I will always be mom to her.