He’s gone to Uni - missing him

[Morag72]

My oldest DS has fine to uni in the US. We dropped him there nearly three weeks ago. He’s having a blast & luckily is making new friends - which I’m happy about. Trouble is - I miss him so much! Fortunate to have a good relationship with him. But tough to deal with the distance.

It gets easier

Empty nest has hit me hard. I didn't expect it to be so brutal. I need it to get easier!

I'm in the same boat and only 4 days in! Miss her terribly. Someone on another thread recommended this book to me and it's helping.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Empty-Nest-survive-close-adult/dp/0749953861/ref=ascdff0749953861nodl/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310856639426&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10954253089624805615&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046304&hvtargid=pla-563043300910&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

It does get better! My youngest is in her final year and I remember missing her dreadfully when she started her first year.

I was on MN at that time reading a similar thread to this and sympathising with the OP, when another poster came along and said that although you miss them, you do get use to the change and before you know it they arrive home for the holidays, hogging the TV and making a mess and although you love them to bits, you sigh a breathe of relief when they go again and you have your clean peaceful life back!

I remember reading that and not really believing or imagining that could happen, but it did and I've always remembered it!

Ha I can imagine that @RubiesandRose - I was despairing of my daughter in the run up to her leaving as there was literally stuff everywhere that she was part way through packing, completely disorganised! I'm happy to have her room lovely and tidy now, but as soon as she's home at Christmas it'll be like a bomb site again!

Me too , my ds went last weekend am trying hold it together

I'm sure I cried on and off for a week. Just feel a bit numb now, the reality of this new life settling in. I video chat most days with at least one of the kids, so we remain close. It's just filling the hours at home, going to gym and more time for my hobbies is great. But, can't wait til one or more is back for a visit. The online support has helped alot. Knowing it's natural and normal and that so many millions of parents go through this every year does help. Keep sharing, keep reaching out, it really helps.

I cried all day the day he went (DH took him I couldn't fit in the car anyway), and I could not think about anything else for days. It was like first day of Reception. Wondering what he was doing, has he made any friends, was he eating anything?
He stayed for 4 years and eventually (bad as it sounds) I just stopped thinking about him unless we spoke on the phone or went to visit. But those first few weeks are brutal.

It's a grief, but once you're sure he's happy you will stop thinking about it so much. You'll stop worrying too. I'm already grieving the next two going and it's not for years yet.