Last September 2022, former Scientologist and now PEOPLE puzzler host Leah Remini shared her daughter Sofia’s new milestone: entering college. Her daughter’s send-off coincided with her good friend Jennifer Lopez’ Georgia wedding to Ben Affleck, so she ultimately had to pass over that.
Milestone Reached
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Remini had already been anticipating this milestone for over a year. That was why, according to her interview with PEOPLE, she hoped to treasure every moment with her daughter before she finally left for college.
For 17 years, it had been her job to love, care, and protect her child. While she was very proud of Sofia (like how most people would often tell her she should be), getting that job ripped away from her overnight was so devastating.
She also added that she had always provided for her family members. She was used to being the boss. “So now it feels like it’s coming to a different chapter of my life where it’s not going to be about getting Sofia to and from school anymore,” she continued.
That also meant she had to find ways to get out of the house. Remini admitted that this phase was so scary for her because she didn’t know what the next thing was for her.
Empty Nesting
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In her Instagram post, she shared a throwback photo of her and Sofia doing the same beauty-queen-like pose while wearing matching outfits. She wrote, “Bringing our only child to college for the first time has been the most excruciatingly painful and proudest moment of my life. I have never cried so much in my life.”
It was definitely a day full of mixed feelings for her. However, it wasn’t just the bittersweet feeling of letting go of their child to explore the next chapter of her life.
For Remini, it was also the worry that was torturing her – Did she push her daughter to go to college because she never had the opportunity when she was her age? She knew she wasn’t alone in the feeling as she remembered friends who sent their kids away for the first time and even her first time sending Sofia away in kindergarten.
According to the host, she has a very vivid recollection of what happened that day. She and her husband were at the school’s parking lot. They were crying like babies and discussing just pulling Sofia out and homeschooling her. “It is not easy to let go; change is so hard.”
While she didn’t look forward to going home without her daughter and living with her room empty for a while, she was comforted by meeting other parents at Target who also felt the same way. Remini also just focused on the part that she would be seeing her again in exactly 83 days on Thanksgiving.
In another post, just days after her emotional upload, she expressed her gratitude to all the people who helped make the past week easier for her. She especially acknowledged her sister Nicole who flew in from Arizona and supported her through every emotional breakdown. On top of that, Nicole’s friend and her family also helped for two days straight to make Sofia’s dorm room as cozy as possible.
She also tagged all her friends who called her and reminded her what she felt was valid. Lastly, she mentioned her mom, who prepared her favorite meal, so she could be comfortable when she got home.
Remini concluded her message by saying, “I love you all. Thank you for caring so much when I needed you the most. I am very blessed to have you all in my life.” Along with her thank you note was a series of photos featuring her and her friends throughout the entire process.
Coping with an Empty Nest
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An empty nest can be a very emotionally-challenging time for parents. They’ve spent years taking care of their children, and then suddenly, they’re met with a loud, echoing space with none of the chaos that there once used to be.
To any parent struggling, just like Leah Remini, who just sent her daughter off to college, allow yourself to grieve. It’s okay to feel sad, lonely, or even angry if that’s how you feel. Once your feelings settle, engage in activities with your partner, friends, and the community. Lastly, don’t forget to take care of yourself and stay connected with your child while respecting their need for independence.
