Of course 'you' and 'all' adult human beings would 'like to think so'.henry quirk wrote: ↑Sat Jul 20, 2024 3:34 pmOn the other hand...
My kid is 18 today. It's one of those watersheds with all the associated hoopla. I wonder, have I done right by him? I like to think so.
But, obviously the actual Truth is not what you, personally nor all, would 'like to think'.
Why do you call 'it' 'your kid'?henry quirk wrote: ↑Sat Jul 20, 2024 3:34 pm Raising him up has been an honor and privilege, and my life would surely be poorer had he not been central to it.
Is 'it' 'actually yours'?
In fact, did 'it' come from 'the sperm' in 'that body' "henry quirk"?
What could have possibly been a so-called 'heartache', to you, just 'rearing' a human child "henry quirk"?henry quirk wrote: ↑Sat Jul 20, 2024 3:34 pm I can't imagine anything else I might have done for the past 18 years that can match, joy for joy & heartache for heartache, having a hand in bringing him up.
Do you notice any contradictions or inconsistencies here?henry quirk wrote: ↑Sat Jul 20, 2024 3:34 pm And, of course, all that is selfish, self-referential. His day, and life, aren't mine to take pleasure from, be comforted by, or take credit for.
At best, I steered him in the right directions, but he unfolded as only he could, in the way only he could.
I've been a witness, and -- as he allowed -- a guide, and not one thing more.
So: intentions, intent. As you say, there's a road paved with the good ones. I can only wait to see where mine land me.
Till then: I can only be immensely proud of the young man my kid made of himself, and mebbe mourn, just a little, the coming end of my usefulness as his caretaker.