My son's father doesn't do anything for him either. My son is an adult now and he's told me that he's not going to try encouraging his father to have a relationship with him anymore. Sad, but ultimately my son's father is the one missing out. My son is a wonderful young man.

I also have experienced that speechlessness in the face of it all, including the possibility that these guys maybe really don't care. They just very well might be self involved and fully unable to parent.

I guess ultimately the only thing we can do is to be a good role model of taking good care of ourselves and to be a good parent. I had to learn to live in the present, find joy in whatever the day brings, even in the face of challenges.