LOL. You sound like my husband. He'd be just as happy if the boys never moved out! And, they are not his biological kids! He knows my youngest (26) is going to be move soon and Hubby is finding all kinds of reasons to delay it! LOL.
As for me, I'm half-n-half. I don't want them going far away, but I have a sense of accomplishment when they do go on their own. I feel sort like, "ah my job is done. We are a success!" Even though as a parent you NEVER stop worrying.
And, as for my grandson, he is doing real well. Now that he knows how to crawl, stand up, etc. he doesn't want to stay in one place too long! LOL. I told his Dad, if Big Jake is anything like his Daddy when he was little, I feel sorry for you!
He is having trouble getting those teeth in though. Giving Mom & Dad a real fit!
I do think my granddaughter will be coming up to visit her mom for the holidays. So, I might get up the nerve to call and ask for a day visit while she's here.
Next April, we'll have a new granddaughter! She'll be living close by. That'll help. ;D
Are you sure we're not related? I can identify with so much you've said...and I've always been told it's the Dad's job to kick the fledglings out of the nest while Mom tries to keep them there. Yeah, right!
As for getting up the nerve...do it. Oh please, do it. You'll never regret asking.
I've drifted away from family, and there's a pain there that's hard to describe.