Being the baby of the family, my parents didn't have anything to give me but a kick in the ass to get out. They never really had any money and when my dad died in 94, I moved back to Louisiana to be closer to my mother. The last 10 years she has lived with me and babysits my dogs when I am gone as I travel weekly for work. She is 81 now and still pretty independent. Worst part is getting grounded and sent to my room at nearly 50 years old. 

C, that may explain why I like ya without ever meeting ya!

Pappy always said you get what you give.  Another phrase he repeated that became my favorite, "Learn from my mistakes, it's easier than learning them on your own".  I love that man more than words can convey.

I read somewhere that the hardest thing a parent can do is teach independence, I concur %100.

So true. It's also the finest gift a parent can give to their kids. Unfortunately so many today without intending to, teach dependence and entitlement. The result is devastation for all concerned.

Being the baby of the family, my parents didn't have anything to give me but a kick in the ass to get out. They never really had any money and when my dad died in 94, I moved back to Louisiana to be closer to my mother. The last 10 years she has lived with me and babysits my dogs when I am gone as I travel weekly for work. She is 81 now and still pretty independent. Worst part is getting grounded and sent to my room at nearly 50 years old. 

You rock, I'll do the same for my mom when the time comes