I was reading another lady's post on the same issue which prompted me to start a new threat because I am not coping very well... I'm crying my eyes out as my son is about to leave home this week. He is leaving this week and today it hit me as if someone smashed a brick in my face. I have to learn to let him live his life and become independent, and I really want this for him, and just never knew I would feel like this! Im devastated. As he walked out the door to go out for the evening, he knew I was trying to hide the sadness and hugged me, he is always so concerned, looking out for me and making sure I am ok. My connection with my youngest, just like yours is one of friendship, love, and genuine care, besties. I knew this time would come one day I just never faced it, never prepped myself for the grief that I'm feeling., and he hasn't even actually left yet. It's a real thing, I found out today that it is called 'Empty nest syndrome'. I'm literally broken. I'm trying to keep it together in front of him, as I don't want him to feel guilty, I want him to feel supported. I wish I had spent so much more time with him. I'm feeling incredibly regretful, as a single mum, I have had to work so hard to keep us together as a family with no support. If perhaps I didn't have to work I could have spent so much more time with all my children, but I have been so tired at times. I have spoken to another friend who has told me how she felt for a very long time after her son left, so I know what is to come! I'm not looking forward to this at all! Everyone, my close friends and some family would take the Micky saying how I would be when this time would come, and I would play it down, but they were absolutely right! I can't articulate myself very well atm. My heart actually hurts