• Justine Martin, 54, lives in Geelong, Australia, and has two adult children. • She struggled with loneliness when they left home and went into therapy to cope with her feelings. • A new lease on life followed: artwork, travel, and a dachshund who follows her everywhere.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Justine Martin, a single mom in Geelong, Australia. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Ten years ago, my last child left home at 17. Initially, I was shocked — I thought I'd have her around until she was in her mid-20s. I wasn't ready for her to leave as a teenager, and I also wasn't sure who I was outside of being a parent. I'd been a mom for 22 years since my eldest — my son — was born.

My daughter and I had also been arguing when she moved out, and sh

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