XenaW, the only thing that helped me was to just hand them over to the big power that be, leave them in his/her hands. I figure the BRTB can watch over them better than me when they are away. It gave me a little piece of mind.
It's funny- of all the "milestones" that she's passed, this one has an effect on me that no others have. So many things going through my mind- is she really prepared for this? I know what it's like out there and the crazies on the road. The fear- I hope she'll be okay and won't get hurt-so much can happen.
This is a preview of what it will be like when she leaves home. I worry even more now than I did when the kids were home. I can offer them only sparing & loving advice now and hold my breath while they run their own lives. I sometimes forget about the BPTB and handing them over and all that.
Congratulations to her and peace to you, Mom.
Flyin'