Dear @quillfire
When I was growing up and I needed to go to college, it was also difficult for me to leave home but, that's life. I learned a lot of things in college but one of the things that dawned on me was that- my parents prepared me for it.
I am sure you did the same with your daughter. All I can say is that, yes, it takes quite a while to adjust but eventually, when she gets settled in, you'll see how it changed her.
@nurseanne84,
You are, of course, correct ... which, alas, changes nothing. Dad's are not designed to lose their daughters. :-)
I suppose, if one were being philosophical, the pain of separation makes one more appreciative of those times that can still be spent together.
Quill
Yeah. I understand that part. My dad still gets a bit protective of me after all these years. I guess, its part of your instinct as a dad.