Clara B. Freeman

Before Meredith Viera existed 'The View' to co anchor The Today Show, she was seen on one episode voicing some motherly anxieties about her oldest son going off to college,in essence leaving the nest. But, because Ms. Viera have two other children left at home , she undoubtly would be able to cope better than a lot of women who when their child leaves home, are totally left alone. How does a mother cope when her child leaves? It is a situation that I've faced twice in that both my children decided to leave home after graduating from high school. My daughter's departure took a toil on me in that I felt that because she was a 'girl', that somehow she wasn't strong enough to handle all that awaited her out there in the world.. She was determined and I had to accept her decision because , although she was still my little girl, she was also finding her wings and wanted/needed to fly on her own terms. Crying and feelings of aloneness are natural, emotional issues that mothers are going to face when a child leaves. To try and deflate their determination, as I tried to do in my son's case, doesn't work! My son joined the Navy after his Freshman year in college. He pointed out valid reasons for his decisions. I tried to talk him out of enlisting in fear for his safety, but, again, he was determined. Five years and he's home, safe, sound, a father, a husband and preparing to attend Medical school. There are times when mothers are going to have to let their children go. That time was one of the worst for me. Yet, amid the tears, moans and emotional feelings of emptiness; I was knowing that this phase in life had to be...Looking back on my own departure from my mother's arms and into the world; leaving home with my mother's imploring me to 'come back', yet, knowing intuitively that she'd have to let me go...

ADVERTISEMENT:

Some women handle their children leaving home better than others. It's normal to cry, become weepy and sad, but, those issues should pass. However, if the feeling of melancholy persists to the point of not wanting to spend time with friends anymore, or, go to work, or, all the normal things done before a child leaves, then, there's a problem. Perhaps it would be wise to address those feelings by seeking some form of professional counseling to help cope with the psychological and emotional conditions that the child's leaving causes...When our children leave us; hug them, kiss them and reassure them that you're always there. Now, set them free to find their wings and soar.You'll survive their leaving, truly you will...