It relieves you and the world of an incredible burden.
I like you just the way you were and just the way you are. But the happy you is a better you. I'm not joking. I like you alot...just so you know.
My daughter is still of limits :hammer:
LMAO!
I'm too good looking and arrogant for her, B.
(no ban)
My long time friends from Tennessee have said much the same things. I always knew I'd blossom (if you will) once I got out on my own and could figure stuff out. I had such a backwards childhood - I didn't get to really be a kid for long. Parents divorced at 12 - which made me in effect the man of the house. When other kids were busy being kids doing nothing - I was taking care of my brother, helping him with whatever, while my Mom was still at work.
I didn't have the transitions in life my other friends did. I was always more mature - but not nearly as functional socially with my peers. I didn't have a problem interacting with adults since I was/am so serious (and my Dad taught me manners - sir and ma'am all the time).
I'm more at ease with myself around people my age and younger. I've become a very effective teacher/mentor to new chemical engineers at my plant. (That was un-heard of a few years ago - when I pissed all the new people off.)
I don't look back and wonder what if on anything really.
I do wish I had been more able mentally to have fun more often in the past (college mainly - was so broke I was in break-neck mode to make A's and graduate).
But - seeing those aspects is part of getting old and more wise.
Thanks for everything on the board, B. Been a long strange trip here at AM. I'm glad you are around. Like an older brother I never had.