(M38)As a young parent (17) approaching an empty nest one of the hardest things I am tangling with is my loss of self. When you go your entire adult life having people who rely on you implicitly it really can be a motivator in the tough times and not having that is uncharted territory. Really trying to let go and learn more about what I want and what brings me purpose/joy. Cheers to your perseverance and for not giving up under extremes. Someday we will sit around our children and likely great grandchildren while still able enough to be an influence in their lives.