I'm guessing but probably as many as 8 or 9 out of 10 parents experience this.
Here's my story. My middle daughter moved to Florida with her (then) husband and her 3 daughters. It's been difficult because she went thru a horrendous divorce. All I could do is help her out monetarily. I'm still paying for the lawyer(s) and her rent, etc. Not complying, happy to help.
About the same time my youngest daughter moved to Colorado. She wanted to do more outdoor things and was tired of the Arlington Virginia nightlife. She lives an amazing life. Never married. She travels everywhere with her male friend and her dog. Colorado loves dogs and they can go places where they can't in other states.
But I do have my oldest daughter living about 1/2 hour from me. She has 4 wonderful children. The oldest is 19, 18, 15 and 10 years old. She just started working a few hours a week for something to do.
She manages my investments, keeps track of taxes etc. The youngest makes sure my few bills are automatically withdrawn, etc. She comes and stays a few months with me here and there.
OK so you need to realize your children have been growing and separating from you for many years. You were just too busy to realize it.
This next sentence(s) deserves it's own paragraph. Right now pat yourself on your back and say...are you doing it? OK...say, "I've done a good job. I did what I set out to do. I've raised humans who are self-confident and are ready to live their 'best life'."
Now look at all your electronics and realize what you an do with them. In the amount of time it takes to dial their number, you can see and hear them. The only thing you can't do is hug them. You can do that another time.
What you need to do is to call them a few times a week. Talk about what's going on in the family with you and their siblings. Don't leave a lot out. I'll tell you why in a minute. Talk about what TV show you like or don't. Talk as if they were sitting next to you. Let them talk...listen and remember.
Now..the reason. It's so that when you do meet face to face you won't feel like two people who spent time apart.
You can touch and hug. It is very important that you stay connected with son's wife. She is the life line to him. Most married males leave it up to their wife to keep in touch with family.
Now..if you only take one or two suggestions...that works too.
My goodness. You've come to the right place. These women here offer wonderful advice. There have been many times I've come here and found a way to help me through something.
Go now...Start reading. No anguish, no tears. You've got this.
After all you are female and God gave us the gift of being problem solvers.
Hugs to you...Annabelle ❤️
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