OP: Your feelings are not ridiculous at all. I suspect we will all feel some degree of sadness when the time comes, no mater when or how they stop playing. My friend at work that I mentioned in my earlier post experienced the exact same feelings as you. She also described it as "mourning." Her son quit this spring after his sophomore college season to puruse a specific academic program at a different school. She was so upset over his decision over the summer that she said she teared up in Dick's Sporting Goods when she ran into a familiar sales woman who asked about her son. My friend said it helped seeing her son get settled at his new school and how happy he is there in his new academic program. Her son doesn't regret his decision at all, and I suspect yours will not either once he gets past the initial disappointment. Once you see how relieved he is, I think it will be easier for you. He is lucky to have your support, and I wish you and your family all the best!