Hi sophiesmom

Well first of all.........I guess you knew I'd be saying this but:
"They are all wonderful in their own ways. Three of them are MUCH better people than I am"
I would honestly say that you don't give yourself anywhere near enough of the credit you deserve!! So just remember that, yes??

And..........I'd say that you do have all the insight in knowing that depression is blameless, and in knowing that you did your best, as with all of your children........
"ALL of mine were raised with equal opportunities geared toward their own individual strengths. And copious amounts of love"
And naturally you know that someone can have every single thing "right" in their lives.......but still............depression............

So you have all the logical, factual (!!) stuff but I can completely understand that parental instinct of self-blame even if you've done everything........still that doubt regardless

So..........let's look at it another way..........the depression is what it is........blameless..........but..........he is so very fortunate to have a mom who is so understanding of what he is going through, who is so empathetic, who so clearly still sees him underneath the depression, who still sees and really values his strengths, who wants to be there for him regardless, who cares so much about him and wants the best for him, who loves him as much as is clear in your thread/post.
And all of that is beyond priceless!!!

So you sophiesmom are a shining star in his life, however he is feeling!!
For some people they can be that when everything is fine (or not too bad, natural up's and down's) in their child's life........but then there are even less of those who can be that when things are bad or real bad in their child's lives..........
So, I for one, am glad he has you for a mom, sophiesmom

Alison