Spaw, I wasnt aware of any of your story with your children but as a social worker it isnt too hard for me to read between the few lines above to have a sense of what you have been through with Mike and the joy you are experiencing now. You are absolutely right "at least he has a shot" and thats what its all about!

We had no such dramas with our daughter but at the end of high school this year and while still waiting for her results we find ourselves content with the knowledge that she got through, sometimes despite her teachers, and is in a position to "have a shot" as well. We have no idea what the future holds and cant protect her from any of that but we know that at least she had a go and we were able to go along for the ride and help out as best we could. It kinda makes it all worthwhile when you see the smiles.

Its funny though, I've also been thinking about BigBallad Singer, another 'catter who featured in a couple of threads of his own earlier this year where he was looking at selling his instruments to make ends meet. He needed a real job at the time to help make ends meet for his family. I haven't noticed anything about him or from him for a while but I was touched by his story and hope that things have turned out better for him over the past few months.

Merry Christmas to 'catters everywhere!

Cheers,

Andrez