Stop. Look and Listen. It wasn't long ago, these words spoken helped ensure your child's safety. Now all the things you taught them is put into practice. Did you do a good job? Can they survive without you? It hurts to let them fall - but they must learn how to get up again. You are no longer responsible for their success or failure. Like two ships passing in the night, he goes to work, comes home, then he's off to the races.
Spending time with friends, replaces you. Where are you now? During the day - you strategize - when will I see him again? Ok, if you're lucky there may be a few minutes in between the shower, or before he leaves for work. Make it minutes that count. What to say? I miss you. I love you. When will you be home to eat? "I don't know" comes the response - "but I love you too." These words will have to be enough for now, until we meet again.