The title sums it up. Our daughter is wonderful, inspite of the usual flash points over tidiness etc we are very close, have done alot together including some fantastic adventurous trips, and we love having her at home. She is also a bit vunerble having had anxiety issues in recent times and is less independent/experienced than many girls her age. However during her gap year -inspite of covid limitations - she has addressed her mental health issues and worked in several roles, growing alot in confidence and spreading her wings more socially. As well as the usual anxieties aboit her being a long way from home in the big wild world, we have some concerns about how she will cope with the practicalities of life (no catered accom at Sheffield uni) / bus rides each day to lectures etc and the almost 200 mile distance from home should she need us. However, we recognise at 19 it's her time to do this, and having both been to uni ourselves we are proud she got into her top choice and feel excited for her.
However as it gets closer I feel a real sense of dread. I went to boarding school and uni in UK but my parents lived overseas and so I am used to separations. Whilst my head tells me to get on with it with all the logical conclusions.. my heart feels as if it is breaking. I know I must put on a brave face for her sake (and I will). But this feels alot worse than I imagined. Right now I wonder how I am going to be happy without her. Knowing others have been through it helps. Any advice gratefully accepted.