A Weight Has Been Lifted

CJ moved out. It's like a 170-lb. weight has been lifted off my back.

Is it wrong that I'm absolutely giddy? He's been back at home for less than a year, but it just seems like its been so much longer. My kid has so many good qualities -- funny, kind, compassionate -- and he's a great friend to everyone who knows him.

But he's still 21 and goofy as hell!

I've been listening to everything our friends and family have been saying and I know he's just like other 21 year old boys. But, this is what goes through my mind when I look at him: This is somebody's husband and father?!

He is so not ready to be anybody's husband or father. Husbands and fathers need to be dependable, rational, and selfless. He's none of those things. Some girl is going to blame me! And it's not my fault! CJ got (and continues to receive) plenty of attention, love, discipline, and guidance.

Like generations of parents before us, we'll just continue to pray, have him over for Sunday dinner and send him home with plenty of leftovers; listen patiently, smile, and nod at his latest (goofy) idea; and let him do the ocassional load of laundry at our house.

When he leaves, we'll hug each other and do the happy dance. WhooHoo!