Dealing with second round of empty nest

[Treasure]

My youngest son went to college three years ago - should've been two but I'd foolishly made that decision to let him skip a grade and lost my baby a year earlier than I would have otherwise. Thankfully, he's done well. My eldest son, Matt, moved back into our house two years ago after graduating college. He was having a difficult time finding a job and needed somewhere to live. After a year with no kids, my husband and I were starting to enjoy the Empty Nest life, but now that Matt has found a job and moved away, I'm having a hard time recapturing the positives of being without kids in the house. It just feels so lonely and empty in the house now, even when my husband is home. We both feel a little purposeless and I'm struggling with grief and guilt over my grief. Matt moved across the country for his job. While it's a great opportunity, it's the furthest any of my children have been from me, well, ever. I know I should be happy for him, and I am, but I'm also sad for me. He's the first to have really "grown up", you know? But I feel guilty for being sad about it. This is what's supposed to happen. It means I've done my job right, right? Has anyone else dealt with this before?

[cherie]

I have actually been in a similar situation but thankfully, it wasn't so bad the second and third time. My son came back home when he'd been sent on assignment and for the two months he was around, he ensured that we made up for the 'lost' time. I hope that you will begin to feel better soon enough.

[Treasure]

I'm glad to hear it wasn't so bad your second and third time around. That's so nice that you and your son got to make up for lost time. I'm sure I'll start remembering the positives again (i.e. what to do with myself) soon enough. It all just happened very suddenly. Thank you for the support!