Name: Karen

Amherst, MA

Number of kids: 1

Ages of kids: 17

Problem: It is so easy for people to say "get a new focus in life" when your child grows up and moves away. My only daughter is 17 with six months of school left until she graduates and I am counting the days that I have left to spend with her until she moves away to college. My daughter is my best friend. I had her when I was 23 and we are so close.She can talk to me about anything and I am always there for her. I have a focus. I am in night school trying to finish my degree, working full time, I ski, work out and am very athletically active.

Nothing takes the place of being with her. I am happiest when I am with her. She can always make me laugh. I feel nothing compares to having a child in your life. Nothing could possibly be as important.

I don't know what I will do without her. I feel like my heart is breaking NOW. I am usually am extremely upbeat person without any psychological hangups. This is a new experience for me. One that I do not much like. I don't know how to handle this. I am a single parent.

Solution submitted by Denice from Green River, UT: I can really have empathy. I too am a single parent who will have an empty house in the fall. One thing I have discovered when my other daughter left for college, is that we treasure our time together so much more. And we work really hard at finding quality time together. Also one the smartest thing I've done is establish and email account. That way I can cheaply keep in contact with her. The other thing is make a list of all the things you have put off, until you have time. Well, now you have time. What ever it is - do it. Also don't make your children feel guilty about leaving you alone. No matter how difficult let her go in love. I am not saying be phony at all, but as a loving parent I want my children to have a better life, to meet new friends,etc. That's what loving is all about. A foundation of love and wings to fly. You might consider starting a support group of parents in you area.