Hi Lynne,

I'm not quite there yet but I think from what I have read, this is all quite natural. My D is about to leave home to go to Uni in September and I have occasional moments of panic at the thought that she won't be in my life every day as she is now.

Just writing about it makes my tummy churn!

My mum recently told me that when I married, she went home and sobbed her heart out. My dad, poor thing, was flabbergasted as I had lived away from home for 3 years by then and he couldn't understand why she was so upset. she explained that 'it was different,' I was not longer theirs!

My OH has told me to think about organising things for myself. New clubs, hobbies etc. I don't doubt for a minute that their will be tears and only time will make it better but there is no way around it.

Try to remember that she is healthy, happy and settled now with someone that she loves and wonderfully, that you like too. You have been a wonderful mum and role model for her and you will always be there for her. she will turn to you I am sure over the years. All girls still need their mums; I still call mine if I need advice. (other times too obviously!)

Not sure if this will have helped at all, just wanted you to know I cared.x