Life changes, especially ones with conflicting emotions, often hit this way. I would guess your feelings include positive ones, like pride in your daughter's independence and accomplishment that you helped her when needed and got out of the way when needed, and others, like the fact that you'll miss having her as a daily part of your life.
Even for people used to noticing their emotions, feeling a variety of emotions at the same time, especially when some are contradictory, is hard.
Colleen's been upset about it for months; I haven't, which led me to believe that it wouldn't affect me much. I'm not at all used to these major mood swings.
When my two oldest moved out on their own it felt like a part of my soul had been torn out. Like I didn't even know who I was anymore if I wasn't mom to that child, right then. A very lost feeling.
But as time passed and they called and we played WOW together and saw each other on vacations I adjusted and now am really enjoying this adult phase of my childrens lives. My life is a little free-er and when we are together there is no longer the resentment of a young adult trying to establish their independence and identity. We have become closer for them being more distant, if that makes sense.
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Date: 2009-04-04 07:13 am (UTC)Even for people used to noticing their emotions, feeling a variety of emotions at the same time, especially when some are contradictory, is hard.
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Date: 2009-04-04 02:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-04 03:15 pm (UTC)But as time passed and they called and we played WOW together and saw each other on vacations I adjusted and now am really enjoying this adult phase of my childrens lives. My life is a little free-er and when we are together there is no longer the resentment of a young adult trying to establish their independence and identity. We have become closer for them being more distant, if that makes sense.
*HUGS FOR BOTH STEVE AND COLLEEN*
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Date: 2009-04-04 07:54 pm (UTC)The good news is that once you get used to it, noticing them and being able to express them makes them more manageable.
I'm sure you've heard the expression that joy shared is multiplied, sorrow shared is lessened. (-:
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Date: 2009-04-05 05:53 am (UTC)I think we're both OK now, though it will be a while before we get used to not having her around.
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Date: 2009-04-05 05:55 am (UTC)