As my son left for the Air Force it was more stressful than I had anticipated.  We had a good relationship and I am incredibly proud of him and he will do very well.  Once I got back home the reality set in that my boy has become a man and my time with him, while not over, is certainly changing.  I no longer get to set his “hours”  no longer get to “make sure he is making the right decision”  no longer get to “really” encourage him not to do things. 

The other emotion is one of immense pride.  I know my son will excel at his chosen career path and i feel an enormous sense of pride that, between his mother and I, we have prepared we him well to succeed in life, but believe I will always wonder if I did all I could.

Our daughter is now turning 16 and will soon be driving and more interested hanging with friends than Mom and Dad. Sad times.