Thank You

 It's the end of an era.  I have written down our stories together for the past 18 years. Can you believe how fast 18 years has gone?  

Every day you say, "I can't wait to move out." I'm sure I said it too. I hear you. I understand.  Some days you annoy me so hard I can say the same.  But if we are being truthful, you and I both know, this won't be easy for either of us. 

You've been my side kick for 18 years and 9 months. That's a long time! You have been the mirror I look into that sometimes I love and sometimes I hate. And I know you and I can agree on that too.  

Right now, "it's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine" as R.E.M. would say.  (Don't know em? Google it.)

I feel fine because you have made my world whole. 
I feel fine because you have taught me so many great lessons.
I feel fine because you taught me how to play. 
I feel fine because you taught me how to live. 
I feel fine because you taught me how to be brave. 
I feel fine because you taught me how to love and forgive - all while being angry.
I feel fine because I'm confident that you will go out into the world and be someone worth watching. 
I feel fine because as everyone keeps telling me, you will come back to me, kinder and more grateful for the things I have done and will continue to do for you as my son.
I feel fine because this is life. 

This is the way it's supposed to go. I implant my knowledge and my traumas on you, and you go out into the great big world, and you take what you need and learn to let go of the rest. 

Or you go to therapy.  

Sorry son, no matter what we do, the torch gets passed on to the next generation.  When you have kids, you will see that for yourself.  

We never really understand until we have kids. And then there is the giant "aha moment" when you've spent the last 40 years rolling your eyes at parents who say they can't drive in the dark anymore, only to realize, now you are saying it too. It will happen, mark my words. 

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have enjoyed making it. As much as I enjoy reading it.

 Whenever you miss me, pick it up. Read a passage.  It's one of my legacies to you.  As you would say, "I didn't go to REAL college" so you'll have to just put sentimental value on this as my legacy.  

Thank you for being my boy.