(((((cyber-sibes)))))

Oh YES, I remember the empty nest - it is soooo real!! It is so hard to deal with and then you have the step-mom thing too Lots of sad feelings going on. One thing that may help is knowing that the anticipation is almost worse than when he will actually be gone. You know - those "last days" until Sunday....for me things really felt better once I knew they were safely at college. I went through it with each of my three - the last of course was my Missy. But soon - there was a feeling of freedom that took over that awful sadness. I had it again when Missy married and left for Japan 2 1/2 years ago. She had been "gone" at college already but still came for visits and we could drive that 60 miles to see her...

It really does get easier but this sadness and loneliness you feel now is painful isn't it?? Will you be helping your son move in at college? One thing I had read was..."don't make their bed!" I did this for my first son - but not the last two. There is something about making that bed for them at the dorm or whatever...that does not allow you to let go. Silly? Maybe .....but it was in a book about letting go of our adult kids and it did help me.

How is your son feeling about going to college? Is he happy and excited? If so, you can pat yourself on the back for helping to mold his independence.

Lots of us have been through this and I hope knowing that helps a little. Each situation is different - but I know it hurts.

Can you do some things to pamper yourself while your home is feeling so empty? Maybe a nice bath or shower...some nice music...a nice meal. A movie or TV show??

How about more...