Dear Peacock
Welcome to the forum. Children flying the nest is usually a stressful time. I think we do not fully realise how much we are bound up with our children until they go. The home seems very quiet and there is definitely a different feel when someone has left. I have four children and three of them left within a year. The girls went to the UK and my eldest to uni. Even with one son at home the place felt different.
It's the little things that we miss, such as the interactions between siblings, which may sound strange but it is part of family life. My grandson came to live with me for a couple of years while he completed his apprenticeship. When he left I could not believe it would feel so strange. Our children are certainly a large part of our lives.
I already had a full life when my grandson was here and I simply assumed his departure would not affect me much. I am still getting accustomed to the silence. On another thread two moms were longing for a break from their families of young children. Of course they did not want the children to go away but having a day without hassles sounds very welcome. Even such tasks as cooking a meal need adjustments as you cook less. We both miss our children and want them to grow to the wonderful adults we believe they have become. So confusing.
A pet sounds good. I have always had dogs in my life and found them a joy. They are dependent on you in much the same way as children but they bring their own joy to your life. This sense of loss will gradually vanish as you build your life again in different ways.
If it helps you to write in here please do so. We are always ready for a chat. Tell us about your son growing up. While we mourn our children going away it helps to remember your life together and the small actions of life as well as the milestone events. Get out the family photo album and remember the good days when you miss him. It will get easier.
Mary
