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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous] I am 48 my kids are 22, 25 and 17. Yes, I got married young and started a family young. Have been incredibly blessed, great husband, very financially sound, beautiful home,etc...I devoted the last 25 years to being a stay at home mom, dabbled in small businesses here and there but being home with my kids came first.

So here's my problem. I am experiencing profound sadness and not sure if its depression or this is normal. I cry when i look at pictures of when they were younger and we went pumpkin picking or our family pictures on the beach in Hawaii, forget the fact that my youngest is a senior. I am a total basketcase. I cannot even imagine graduation day. Of course I am super proud of how they have each blossomed into wonderful and responsible adults but I have this serious and very real emptiness/void in me and I do wonder how many feel like this. I do think if I was older (many of my sons moms are well into their 50's) I might not feel this way. But I feel too young to be an empty nester and desperately miss both my role as a mother and having kids around.

Have not discussed this with friends other than in a joking sense but the truth is this is really an issue and seems to be getting worse. I sometimes feel its inconsolable and the sadness is so overwhelming. I do hide it well but its getting harder. Any advice or input (please no derogatory or insulting comments). [/quote]

I have a couple of years still, but have to force myself not even to go there with my thinking.  I totally get you.  I suggest taking up a hobby that is all-consuming.  I personally like running, but anything that really sucks you into a lifestyle should help a bit.  I know another mom who is dealing by doing tons of demanding volunteer work.  You have to go out and do your own thing so that there is more in your life than there was before.[/quote]

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