[widgeon13]

You aren't alone in those feelings, it's not easy seeing them go but they have a right and responsibility to move on in their lives. Both my wife and I have gotten great enjoyment out of watching the process after our efforts have been put in place during the formative years.

Our son will be 39 later this month, just married last September and now has a baby on the way. He never came back home and has always been gainfully employed but we were wondering for a number of years when he would outgrow some of the less mature habits, like staying out and hitting the bars until 3AM.

That stuff stopped when he fell in love and things have progressed nicely over the last 3 to 4 years. He's always been around on weekends and we love our daughter in law. It's great fun for us watching their relationship grow.

We are very fortunate that we have a great relationship with them as well as the in laws.

You are right in that seeing them go for the first time is one of the most difficult challenges in a parent's life but as time progresses, it's also one of the most rewarding memories.