I'm kissing my daughter goodbye tomorrow morning. [View all]

DU friends:

I've spent the past seven years focusing on nothing other than my daughter. Her mother and I were never married and I have to state unequivocally that my daughter was unexpected by both of us. Blah, blah, blah. It's seven years later and her mother is moving her to Boston next week.

I'm very upset by giving up the flexibility that both of us have grown accustomed to in our requests to see each other. Her mother and I have been on an anytime anywhere plan for her. Yes, I know how wrong it is to accommodate the child's every wish, but our thoughts have been that it is better for her to spend her time with the parent of her choosing. I don't need lectures about parenting here guys.

What I'm asking about here is everyone's experiences with having your child moved away from you. How stable has the relationship been? Has it been maintained after the relocation? Has visitation been consistent? How did you deal with asking your child what he/she wanted to take from your home to be included in the movement of possessions? What about holidays and vacation?

I feel that the entire focus of my life is being wrenched away from me and I don't know another way to state the situation. I've been able to visit with my daughter practically any day that she or I asked. I'm very afraid that I'm going to lose that relationship and our future together will consist of awkward forced times together.

Guys, I'm completely out of my element here and I'd really like to hear how you've been able to deal with the situation.