He's not ready

In 2 weeks Right Hand Man will be 22 years old.

That, of course, means that I will have been parenting for 23 years. Seriously. How did that happen???

I watch this man work,  go to school, hang out with his friends, help his mom, and still play with his little brothers. I couldn't be more proud.

A lot of people, in fact probably the majority of parents, send their 18 year old, newly graduated, children out the door for college. Some of these kids aren't ready. I can't help but wonder if the majority aren't.

Our son made the wise decision to live at home while going to school and work, trying to do the whole thing debt free. It was wise because he didn't know what he wanted to do when he grew up and has changed his mind 3 times. And has had the luxury of being able to do so. Away at school and racking up huge debt would have locked him into a field that wasn't a good match. He has had some freedom and he has bought his own car. I couldn't be more proud.

He is interviewing for a different position for another company. It will pay much better. He should be wrapping up with a degree at some point. He is very vague about offering up that information! I asked him if he was ready to leave home. His answer?

"Mom, I'm not going any where".

YAY!

As I watch him hang out with his siblings, I have reached the conclusion that he is just not ready to leave us all behind. He still needs our love and our support up close and in a very personal manner. If he goes from our home directly to a new household with his wife, I would be very proud.

He is my helper, the leader of our pack. He can stay as long as he wishes, or until he is ready. Which I hope is none too soon!

a good mother would!