Thank you ((KebsFroggy, Nightbird, and Sky))

It's funny. When my son was in junior high, we allowed him to take the train into the city to meet his friends and skate along the lakefront. My neighbors accused me of being a BAD parent because I didn't keep an eye on him at all times and was a little lax on curfew for him. They accused me of not caring about my son because I couldn't give his exact location or prove he went where he said he was going.

I never worried when he went into the city or through the projects, even if he didn't go exactly where he said he was going. I didn't worry because he was where he belonged, we trained him well, and he knew how to survive in that environment. He couldn't have done that if he were still attached to apron strings.

NOW, people are telling me I'm a GOOD parent - and I've NEVER been so worried about him.

It feels good to hear from him or see that he has read an e-mail from us. It tells me he's still alive. Unfortunately, that relief only lasts an hour or so. After about an hour, I want to hear from him again.

Yikes, I never looked good in an apron - but I have no choice but to keep it on and sit by the window until he comes home to us. I promise not to ground him or spank him when he does return.