My DD is on her way to University.

[Hassled]

Her father's driving her down now. I'm so proud of her for getting this far - she was diagnosed with severe depression when she was 17 and it's been a rough few years. She's still on ADs. She was the reason I first posted on MN. But I just feel overwhelmed by how much I'll miss her - she's my best friend. I talk to her about everything.

It's not even standard Empty Nest Syndrome - DS1 went to Uni two years ago, and I have 2 much younger DSs who will be at home for many years yet. Part of it is that I was on my own with DS1 and DD for a few years before I met DH - we were a little team against the world - and it feels like the end of an era. DH is being great, and is sad on my behalf - but he works away a lot, so a lot of the time it's been me, DD and the boys during the week. We watch crap telly together and put the world to rights. I know I just need to pull myself together - I just had no idea it would be this hard.

Oh god this might be me next year

I will still have ds2 and my dd's at home too but if ds1 goes off i don't know how i will cope. He is such a good boy to his old mum lol

DD1 will be starting school and dd2 starting nursery too so it will be great but too

send her a letter telling her how proud you are, maybe witha little gift. she'll love to receive some mail at her new address and even better that it will be some lovely words from you.

my parents did that when i moved into halls.

Thanks - I think I'll do that.

Awww you all sound so lovely My parents convinced me to stay at home (I'm the first and only!) and I have to say, I'd miss them if I went away.

Oh, bless you. Well done to dd AND to you. Take some credit!

I also left my ds in his new halls at a uni 3hrs away today, and feel a wierdly poignant combination of pride and concern with flashbacks to when he was a funny little boy with no worries except where his cuddly blanket was.

Like you it's not really empty nest as I have got one dd already at uni and two younger ones at home.

Here's hoping they stay strong and happy.

Thanks gooseegg - we need some sort of support group . DD was very glum this afternoon - that "sat on my own in a strange place knowing no-one" feeling, and rang me all tearful - but then worked out there's a Welcome Party this evening. Hope your boy's OK.

Hi Hassled. I hope your dd felt better after the party. My ds apparently found a welcome party too, and has since texted me twice.

Once to tell me that his baking tray won't fit in the oven.

And once to check whether he has to boil the pasta first before making a pasta bake

Where is your dd? My ds is at Southampton.

Brighton (English) - so not too far She seems remarkably fine - very much a "glass half full" person but everything is "awesome" and was full of beans when we spoke. So I'm a bit more relaxed - but I just miss her so much. THe house is horribly quiet.