My wife had it hard, I was fine when we dropped my oldest son off at U Maine a few weeks ago. I did my best to console her, but as a Mom, it is what it is. She is still suffering today. I personally felt strong and proud of him.

Now as the season draws near, I am at a loss.
He is not here, and it kinda hurts?
Not used to it......keep on adapting I guess. Life goes on, adapt and keep moving.
Not sure if any of you have dealt with this.
Took me by surprise.

Well you would feel ALOT worse if he stayed home and did not grow, he is where he should be. My 3 have gone and I still miss them but they have grown in so many ways and I will have 4 grandchildren by years end.

QuoteOriginally posted by fmscan:
Well you would feel ALOT worse if he stayed home and did not grow, he is where he should be. My 3 have gone and I still miss them but they have grown in so many ways and I will have 4 grandchildren by years end.

This for sure! He'll prosper and do well hopefully and make you and the Mrs proud.

One of the hardest parts of parenting is putting your heart and soul into developing children strong and balanced enough to leave. I am sure he is dealing with his own separation issues.  The dichotomy is the better you did your job, the easier his transition is.  Empty nest syndrome is real issue, and worth looking into. Take pride in the strong son you raised.  I am sure you will spend many more days in the field together.

Know how you and Mrs. feel. I miss going to range with my son each week. We moved, he stayed. Now it looks like he is on way to PA. Daughter on way to NC. That is a real road trip! Upside is I get to leave a bow and arrows at each place and get to shoot other ranges. I would love to hunt PA. as well.

Gamers would say,"Achievement unlocked" your son, as you taught him, is moving on to the next level. That doesn't make it easy, it shouldn't be. I've sent three off and each one brought tears. No shame in that, just more growing for them and me.

Yes, it is a tough change, and even though you are proud, it is still sad. When we dropped our daughter off at college, we both shed a few tears. 2 years later, when we took our son, my wife really turned on the water works. Through her sobs she turned to me and said, "Now I'm stuck with only you!"

Just the reverse for me. My son has been out of school for some time now, but a wife with her own business and two rug rats at home, hasn't been able to hunt the last few years. Changed jobs recently. His bosses are in the same club as I and they show up for work a little later during deer season than usual. They're the bosses after all. They told my son he can do the same, so he's joined the club and now I get to hunt with him once again. Certainly adds a new dimension to my passion. Four years go darn quick David, so it won't be long before he'll be out with you again.

I can only imagine what your going through. My kids are still young (9 and 10) but I didn't even like the feeling when they started kindergarten.  Hang in there you'll both be fine I'm sure of it

My pops and I had to do the whole separation thing about 8 years ago. I am still in Medical school, and we don't get to hunt as much as we would like to together, but every time we get to it makes it that much more enjoyable. I bet you he will be finding a way to get back home a lot more often than you imagine right now. Especially if he enjoys chasing bucks and he is unlucky with finding a place in Maine to hunt!

My oldest just started his senior year of college and I couldn't be prouder. Super grades in a challenging program,  all while being a D1 athlete. He is going to be a fine young professional, husband and father one day.  Can't really ask for much more than that.   Hard to believe the 4 years have went by this quickly.  Seems like yesterday we were sending him off with a few tears shed.  Has really put a big dent in our hunting time together, but we will get back to it once he settles into his career.  
My baby just started her freshman year in High School, I know these 4 years will fly by as well, that one will be tough.

Man do they grow up fast.My wife and I just dropped our son off just last weekend, to start his freshman year at school over in New Jersey.

I had this conversation with a mom several years ago and I always go back to what she said, "As a parent we raise our kids to be strong and independent, so that they can stand on their own.  Going away to college shows that we did our job as a parent."  

My son left for 4 years to complete his undergraduate and is now back home computing for his doctorate in an effort to control his expenses.  I know what you mean, there's a huge void for "awhile" but you learn to adjust and appreciate what it is they are doing.   You guys should be very proud of him, its a big step on his part.