[nottrustin]

First thing tomorrow morning we take my oldest off to college. I have been agonizing over this day for months. Taking a shower this morning I realized that even the shower would be different. With her off at college I will now live with hubby and 2 teenage boys. They all have their favorite shampoos, body washes etc in there. Mine will be the only girly stuff...(sounds stupid I know). So not ready to pack tonight and see how empty her bedroom is. Often she is my sanity in a world of testosterone and ADHD (boys both dx ADHD and hubby while not dx definitely has it)

Had an appointment with T today specifically because we knew how hard today would be. I really wish today would slow down. T gave me 2 hugs when I was leaving knowing that this afternoon would suck....

[coolibrarian]

After we dropped our daughter at college, many years ago, I was fine until about 15 miles from home. We pulled into a rest area and I cried my eyes out. Later that night, getting ready for bed, I discovered she left her small pillow--the one she carried everywhere as a toddler, and slept with--under my pillow. Of course, that was bittersweet, and I cried some more.

[Favorite Jeans]

It feels so heartbreaking but you're a great mom for helping her go out into the world instead of trying to keep her nearby to meet your own needs. Good luck to you and your daughter in the coming weeks!

Hi nottrustin, Nothing in your post sound stupid. Every word tells of the pain you're feeling right now. I was very happy with my job as a stay-at-home-mom, then my children went to college. My daughter lived at home while in college, but my son lived in a different city. The day my husband and I took our son to college and left him at his own apartment was one of the hardest days I have ever lived through. Don't get me wrong - I was immensely proud of my son! But having him suddenly move out...such a painful experience for me. NOTHING was ever the same again. Both of my kids graduated from college a few years ago; my daughter is happily married and my son has an excellent position in another city. They're doing very well...me...I'm still struggling with empty-nest. I still dread the long, lonely days and the times I most cherish are when I spend time with my children.

I wish I could wave a magic wand and make your pain feel better. All I can tell you is to be proud, because your daughter is doing a great thing by going off to college. And it is true that you will share her excitement over her achievements, and you will be as close as ever, just in a slightly different way.

[~Christina]

It was really hard dropping my daughter off at college.. Her and I are thick as thieves.. I cried damn near all the way home (300 miles) I promise it will be ok.Its tough at first. My daughter and I both agreed that she and I would text me daily.. She did and it helped both of us deal with big changes.

That was 4 years ago and 95% of the time we still drop a text a day.

I also had to deal with being the only female in the house... It will work out just give it some time. Treat yourself to something nice

[elliemay]

Originally Posted by Favorite Jeans

It feels so heartbreaking but you're a great mom for helping her go out into the world instead of trying to keep her nearby to meet your own needs. Good luck to you and your daughter in the coming weeks!

Absolutely! My mother tried to make me feel incredibly guilty for leaving and trying to better myself and grow.

It was all about how I was leaving her, versus what I was going to. My move in day (instead of joyful) was AWFUL.

The thing is I knew it was hard for her. If she had just been a little bit happy for me, I would have missed her. She never acknowledged it was hard for me too though.

However, your love for your daughter comes through clearly, as does your heartbreak at the transition ahead.

It will hard I'm sure, but also beautiful for your daughter.

[nottrustin]

Thank you for all of your support. It is definitely very bittersweet. I am SO proud of her. She is totally stepping out of her comfort zone by going off to college. She doesn't like large crowds. She is going to a college of 15,000 students. She is also a home body but is going about 120 miles away to school Our goal has always been to raise independent educated children...we have done that.

[nottrustin]

Originally Posted by Cherbiej

After we dropped our daughter at college, many years ago, I was fine until about 15 miles from home. We pulled into a rest area and I cried my eyes out. Later that night, getting ready for bed, I discovered she left her small pillow--the one she carried everywhere as a toddler, and slept with--under my pillow. Of course, that was bittersweet, and I cried some more.

One of the things T and I discussed was me secretly getting kiddo a small transitional object that she finds after we leave for home. I found her a bracelet with a guardian angel (dd loves angels) with a saying about always having somebody looking out for her. When I showed hubby the bracelet he asked what MY transitional object will be..hmmm