I like be your description of the amount Everest of tasks and the tiny widow’s spoon. I’m in the midst of it now. Knowing you survived really helped me.

The empty nest is a mixed blessing. I went back to college, changed careers and ran for office. I highly recommend running for office. It’s pretty amazing even if you don’t win.

Could the let down you are feeling be from accomplishing your empty nest and now thinking, "Now what?" Maybe you are feeling like you accomplished your goal and now you have out lived your purpose in life, your reason to live? I felt that way when my wife died. I knew I had to find new reasons to go on and a new purpose.

There are books about the five steps of grieving but they don't talk about the sixth step: Reconstruction (of your new life, a new you). Maybe you are about to start a new life journey?

I understand that every milestone and every accomplishment is bittersweet. The combination of joy and sadness is unique to all who have lost a loved partner. Getting children ready to face the world is no easy task under the best of circumstances and you deserve the joy and pride for meeting the challenge and earning your prize. You rose to the task when it would have been easier to crumble. Your husband's story, his legacy is your story, a part of you and the pride you feel is a hundred times sweeter because of it. Congratulation, how proud he would be of you.

As to what comes next? That is an adventure yet to be discovered. I hope it holds pleasant surprises for you, you have earned them.

Congratulations to you and your son! Saying goodbye to High School mom was a relief.

Last fall my younger son left the nest. He transferred to a more distant college. At first it was really hard. But I've adjusted to it more quickly than i thought I would.

I does suck doing the big things alone. My Mom was my +1 and she died a few years ago.

I think I can relate, next weekend, our eldest grandson graduates and our greatgrandson turns 3. Cheryl died (I find it difficult to choose which word to use there) Dec '16. We raised Michael while our youngest son was deployed and just kept him. He turns 18 July 5.and our eldest son turned 40 a few months back.....damn, that's enough for me.