Deda, I don't think you can look at your kids' need to escape as being related to your need to leave your drinking parents. Just put it down to a kid's need to get away from the corral that has enclosed him or her for 18 to 20 years. Once they taste that freedom it is hard to gather them back, even though the love and happiness is there.

I like to think that I offer my kids a safe place to retreat to when life knocks them down. They are always welcome home, at least wherever I call home at the time. They also have the ability to return to the family farm in Northern Maine. This safe retreat space gives them the confidence to try things. At least that is my theory.