I was sad for a minute but then it was ok. We are immigrants. DMV is where we have landed up. We do not have a hometown to go back to.

Culturally, at least in my family, there is no concept of kids launching by leaving the parental home. Parents home remains the home for the children for as long as the parents are living in that house. Adulting means getting an education, a career, getting married, having kids etc. No one equates adulting to going to college or the discipline to do their own laundry or having a summer job for having spending money.

Another thing is that my kids went to college 30 minutes away from home. So, they were back every weekend with their laundry, meeting up with friends from school and college, taking back home cooked meals for the week to their apartments. We did not lose sleep over if the kids were "adulting" or if their mental health was ok. They were doing well academically and getting the internships, they were able to socialize and network, they were able to be there for every single family celebration and things were just super easy.

Before we knew it, they became self-reliant, learned how to cook, clean, invest, interview, work, drive...all on their own time. Now, when they are in town, they don't have to ask permission to come home. They stay for as long as they want, their friends are invited, their room is always ready for them. My kids went to college, got out of college and now working in another city. It was all gradual and they are still our children.

OP, my eldest leaves in a year so not there yet but already sad about it. I KNOW all the stuff - it’s how it is, enjoy their success, indulge in hobbies, travel, etc.
But I’m with you - I work in a professional career, I have friends, I’m sure parents will get closer as they become empty nesters, I can do hobbies/events… but DD is my best friend even if I’m not hers. And while I don’t tell her or show it, my heart is breaking that she will leave. Despite all the other things I do or can do with my time, none of it is as much fun as hanging out with DD- even just a walk and talk with her is more fun for me than a party or travel without the kids. All of life’s adventures are just more fun for me with my kids.

So it will be a huge change. I’m sure it will be fine but it won’t be as much fun…for me.

I know many folks don’t have that kind of relationship with their kids and miss their freedom but I don’t. Haven’t thought about it really but seen posters say that grandkids fills that void.

Is there an empty nesters group somewhere?