Yes, we are there again, with the sarcasm only partly in check.  These darn kids have a way of growing up and having minds of their own, no matter what we do!

Tonight I was livid with my son for having lounged all day when chores had been assigned.  His summer job search has brought nothing - it is Michigan, with record unemployment.  His dad and I cheerfully stated that no paid work meant more free work at home to sustain his adequate lifestyle and that extra chores would be required.  There was agreement but time has shown that there is very little adherance to implied contract.  We should have gotten it in writing....

Anyway, today, there was a demand, a demand I say, for dinner, from him.  The ingredients were there and this is not someone who can't get around a kitchen.  Under shame and duress (we're Catholic) he produced a very terrific and quick meal.  The success was preceded by a lengthy verbal battle and accumulation of stress on my part.  I believe I uttered some non-religious phrases and ultimately won.

Everyone cooled off in the ensuing hours apart when evening brought its own opportunities.  My son engaged me much later while he drank a cup of tea and spoke of his upcoming departure for college, 10 hours north of us at Michigan Tech (yes, you can drive 10 hours north from Ann Arbor and still be in Michigan...).  He talked about missing his girlfriend and what that might do to their relationship.  He pulled in Grandma and her recently diagnosed Parkinsons disease, and Grandpa who died last September from undiagnosed Parkinsons disease.  Damn that kid, he knows how to turn things around.

To make matters worse, he wrapped up our conversation by saying how much he appreciated that we talked like this.  I told him how parents have simply two duties - to give kids roots and wings.  Too many parents give their kids roots but forget about the wings.  We talked about that too, and people we knew who did that.  I told him he could go, to fly away, and to never forget he could come home.  He was truly grateful while he drank his tea.  Then he asked if he could have another computer party where everyone including his girlfriend got to sleep over - they've done this before, guys and girls.  I knew there was a catch to this whole thing.  Yes, yes you can Kevin.  You have your roots; I gift to you your wings.