There are plenty of books about raising babies. Shelves full of advice exist for surviving toddlerhood, navigating the middle school years, and making it through the teenage phase. But what about when those children become adults and start making life-changing decisions of their own?

For many parents, there is very little preparation for this phase of life. We spend years teaching our children to be independent, responsible and brave. Then one day, they walk away from us, and actually do it.

This first edition of What to Expect When Raising Adults is for the parents standing in that parking lot after the final hug, watching their son or daughter head off to military training.

If no one has told you yet, let me be the first. What you're feeling is normal.

When my youngest son, Izik Cox, left for Army Basic Training through the Army National Guard Split Training Option, I thought I was prepared. We were proud of his decision. We were supportive. We knew this opportunity would help him grow.

None of that prepared me for driving away. That last hug is brutal….READ MORE…