My son decided to go to a college across the country. I'm already dreading my empty nest, but it's time to let him go.

• My only child has chosen to go to school in Los Angeles, which is thousands of miles from home.
• I wished he had chosen a college closer to home, so that we can visit easily. 
• I am dreading my empty nest, but I know it's time to let him go.

When you become a parent, you get all sorts of advice from well-wishers: sleep when the baby sleeps; ask for help; trust your instincts; the days are long, but the years are short.