I'm coming here for advice as I've been struggling with some things recently.

Background: I have been in a long distance relationship with a 50 year old female (I'm 26) for a little over a year. She came to see me, I went and saw her and met her kids and it was going amazing. I had originally planned on moving where she is after I'm done with doctorate school, hence why I met her on a dating app there.

Scenario: she has been going through a lot and it has been hard on her that I'm not physically there. She decided that we should start dating other people. She wants to remain friends and if things don't work out, then we can try to go on a couple dates when I'm there in 3 months.

Problem: you'd think I'd just wanna be mature and end things completely because this has really been messing with my head. I thought I'd be okay just being friends for a hit and see how things go, but when she goes on dates, my heart breaks even more. I want to let go, but I care for her kids too much to do that to them. I know certain things aren't my problem anymore, but I care for them. Its also been prrtty hard for me not getting good morning texts or "Hope you have a good day" and not talking nearly as much, but i also dont want to feel super lonely as its hard for me to attract females as is. I'm torn between letting it all go and sticking around. Any advice would be great.