Adjusting to the new roll

I'm guessing someone here will have some insight on how to manage life at the moment. I know that some of my issues have something to do with life changes. Life changes are just one thing we all have to life with but sometimes they can be really hard to negoiate.

The issue right now is trying to adjust with growing children and with the impending reality of an empty nest. I am a single mother and have been since the day my daughter was born. I have not been one of those mothers who does absolutely nothing else but immerse myself in my daughters life but a large part of my life has been my daughter, particularly since I am a single mom. We are very close. Apparently closer than most of her friends and their parents. I am very thankful for that. We communicate often and about anything. She knows she can come to me about anything as do her friends. She has even brought a pregnant friend home because her mother kicked her out and didn't know what to do so they came to me for guidence.

The problem is that she is nearly 17 which means in no time at all she will be on her own. If she was just planning to go to college it may not be quite so bad since she intends to attend a university fairly close to home. However, she is going the military route before college. This means she will be completely gone. This also means that my role, the one that I have had for more than 16 years, will change. I'm not sure how to adjust to the new life.

I know this is a fact of life that just about every parent goes through. I am not bothered by it because it is just another chapter in my life. I am just kind of confused. I didn't really have much of a life before she came along. Quite frankly, if it wasn't for her I would be dead now. I have managed to find some identity of my own since she was born and have developed myself in a lot of ways. I guess it is just kind of more of the unknown that goes with life?

And all of that was quite the ramble that may have asked absolutely nothing. Perhaps someone could share their experience?

(((Dark Dreams))) - kudos to you for being such a great mom so far. I haven't reached this stage because my girls are almost 9 and 13, but I'm sure I'll feel the same as you. I also have a very close bond with my girls.

Even though your daughter will be leaving, your job as a mother won't stop. Thanks to computers, you can still keep in close contact. Now's your chance to get involved in some hobbies or interests that you wished you could have done when she was younger. Maybe take some part time courses or get involved in an exercise group for women your age. I'm sure there's probably an 'emty nester support group' some where lol.

I think it will be normal to feel some sadness for the changes that are about to take place. Thinking about it before hand will help you prepare for the day she leaves. Since you raised her well and you're very close, she'll always need you. Best of luck.