My last post about Vaila going to uni felt reasonably rational and measured, focusing on what her new experience might be like. Today’s post won’t be like that. Because now I’m spiralling into… well, all the feelings: grief, fear, sadness, excitement, nerves.

Now it’s time for me to face the reality of the countdown really being on! As I write this, Vaila is on a visit to the flat she will be moving into, meeting new friends and exploring the city which will soon be her home. Just over five weeks from now (a mere 36 days), James and I will drive our lovely girl to Edinburgh and then drive home without her.

When I say that I’m preparing to launch my child, don’t be concerned that she’s about to be launched from her bedroom window!

Apparently, by the time our children are 18 we will have spent 90% of the time we will have together...