My eldest son today shipped out to Fort Benning to start his life. I cannot decide if I want to throw up or cry. Maybe both
The boy and I rarely see eye to eye. We really are far too much alike for the comfort of either of us. But I love the kid. He was my first born. There is something special about that.

The first kid is like the test child. By the third son, we were practically letting him juggle steak knives for 5 minutes of quiet (i AM kidding) In the beginning I hope I did not screw him up too badly. I think I may have failed there. But he has certainly changed in the last 6 months. He has grown up. And he has realized that life is not always fun. It sucks more often than not. Is 18 too early to learn that? Probably. But get used to it early. That sounded far more jaded and cynical than I intended it to.

Today I am the most proud of him. He is becoming a man. He will become a GOOD man. That potential is there. I think i missed it for far too long. And I kick myself daily for that. And i am so very sorry for it.