Having never raised anything with only two legs I cannot share in your pain, but I do imagine it is a drastic change and somewhat scary. It has the potential to open up whole new doors - grown kids living in exciting cities that aren't all that far away, etc. I know my parents were quite relieved to have fewer of us in the house and they quickly converted our bedrooms into sewing rooms and computer rooms (seemed almost instantaneous). On the plus side, having someone close to you live in the DC area is a big plus to me. An easy train ride north or a half day drive put you in one of my favorite touristy areas.

I too have had the same kind of feelings. At one point I and my 3 adult children all lived in different area codes. We moved to a smaller house when the last one left, but they came back anyway. LOL

On the 2 or 3 times a year I can see them all in the same room I just love to watch them, they are such good friends.
There are no words to make you feel better, it is stage all parents must go through. Keep us posted.

DC is a great place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there. There are some nice places far enough outside Baltimore, but the culture change from here going north a mere 200 miles is outrageous. I bet they will stay a while and look for a better opportunity back here very soon. Change is the only thing in our lives that is absolutely certain.

John, like most parents we've always had plans for their rooms when they left. Just didn't expect one of them to go so far. My son actually lived out (locally) for a few years before coming home to return to school. Now he's going to continue his schooling up there once he settles into his job. He'll probably have to do it online because he'll be traveling with his job a good bit. My daughter will still live nearby so I can hang with that, lol....

Jeane, had to chuckle at your smaller house story. We use to joke abt moving to a one bedroom cabin or houseboat.... Now I'm already making plans to go see him, cooking his fav foods before he goes, and sometimes just watching him or listening to his laugh. I will miss the sounds...

Brenda, it's just my son that's moving (daughter's getting married but staying local). I know that this is a great opportunity for him and he's worked hard to get here, so I am very proud of him and excited for him. He always wanted to live in NY, so this is right up his alley. He has boundless energy, he's very grounded in his personal faith and he has an incredible heart for people which has brought him to this place. He wants to live in the city (Baltimore) near the harbor so he can walk or bike to work and do his running near the harbor.

I guess a part of me knew this day was inevitable. All boasting aside, he's a special guy. I use to watch him and wonder how he turned out the way he did, cause my parenting skills certainly weren't all that, lol.
It was sweet the other day when he ask me what kind of veggies could he grow on his balcony. He's going to miss those fresh garden goodies! Not as much as we'll miss him though!

Aw digger..I feel for you. Sons are so special to their Mom's. They are the 'do it all' kids you can depend on (after a month of reminding). Best can be said is we now live in the age of email so you won't lose touch. You won't get to see (and approve) of who he's dating (course, that's one less worry for you) and he won't be handy but now you get to notice how he appreciates you and all Mom has done (when he faces a room sized stack of laundry..Ha!)

Now, holidays will be extra special when he comes home.