He told me he would never leave me. He said I was his best girl and he even said he would marry me! It doesn't matter that he was only four years old when he said it, I'm holding him to it. That's right, my baby has left me and I am all alone. I remember the days when all I wanted was a bath all by myself. I only wanted to make a phone call and talk to my friend in peace. I wanted to have a drink that was just mine. I wanted to eat a sandwich that didn't already have a bite taken from it.

Now, I have all that and more, except I no longer want it. I want him back. What happened to the clingy, separation anxiety riddled toddler that loved me better than anyone? He went off to college. The nest is empty! Oh, I suppose I should be happy. After all, that is how I raised him, to be self sufficient, ambitious, and, of course, to be happy and able to function without me. Boy, does he function without me. He has a job that he is successful at, he has a girl whom he loves, and he has a plan for the future. In reality, I am very proud of the little traitor and I am coping!

So, how do I combat empty nest syndrome? Well, at first I cried, just a little. Then, I decided that was not productive, so I am teaching myself, little by little, to put myself first. I am trying new things, like writing. I can stay up late and not worry about waking the kids. As soon as I am able, I am going to travel. I will be able to cope because this is the circle of life. I have no one to answer to except for myself! What a wonderfully liberating thought. What a lifestyle I will be able to have! I have decided that if something comes along that intrigues me, I am going to try a little bit. I'll try more if it's good and if I miss him too much, I can always catch up with him on facebook or twitter.