I hope this is a good post for this group. I have a 26 year old son. His dad and I lived together for about 5 years from the time I was 20-25. We broke up when my son was 3 months old. He was addicted to drugs and very unpredictable. That's not my main point though.

I was technically a "single" parent. His father moved out of state before my son started school.

What I'm very happy about is that both of my parents stepped up voluntarily to help me raise him. My mom watched my son while I worked. My dad did the "manly" things with my son. To me it's VERY important for any child to have both parents of possible or at least a good female role model AND a good male role model.

I'm so thankful to my dad. I was just thinking about this because my son (who just got out of the Marine Corp after his 4 years) is outside right now talking to his grandfather- 50 years apart, but so closely bonded.

I've thanked both of my parents multiple times (my mom has since died) and honestly it makes me feel emotional (in a good way).