This year we have both children in college.  The college moving experience was very emotional for me and my husband.  You see, we actually enjoy spending time with our daughters.  We are all very close and the separation is difficult.  So, this empty nest feeling is very unsettling for us both.  When I express this some people pass judgment.  They can’t understand the sadness.  “Why are you sad?  You should be excited for them”.  “You should be happy for them.  You did a good job and they are ready to leave”.  Despite the judgment, I decided it is ok to be sad.  There is sadness seeing their empty chairs at the dinner table and their dark bedrooms at night.  Our daily conversations about their lives are reduced to texts.  We truly feel a disconnect.  THIS IS SAD!  Being sad doesn’t mean we don’t want our kids to “grow as people” or “spread their wings and fly”.  We want our children to be happy and find their path in life. We can be sad they are gone and still want the best for our children.  We are told we will get used to the quiet and their absence.  Maybe so, but until then just let us be sad!