This is an article I wrote and posted on BFDs site last year.  Now that I have my own site, I think it should be here. Thinking Things Through August 27, 2007               This is an article written by MamaCharlie: Often lately I hear the statement, "Your child doesn't need you to be his friend, he needs you to be his parent." I assume that I am supposed to agree unquestioningly, thinking, "Of course!" But I don't. ...

Our son Jimmy and his family had just moved in with us and we were all adjusting.   Not a bad thing, just an adjustment.  One hot July evening, Max, our ten-year-old grandson, came upstairs to talk.  We sat at the end of the bed.  I thanked Max for his help in getting the family moved in and his assistance to me (I have Parkinson's and he is a great, selfless server) and his unhesitating cooperation in the everyday functioning of the household.  I told hi...