Pistachio - Does your child work in prison or work in the prison?

TRUBRIT - I went to Europe when I was 22 and hitch-hiked from Ireland to Morocco. I love to travel but the best time I ever had was "back then". I needed only a change of clothes and a bed roll. My first night was spent on the floor of an office in Victoria station. We arrived late at night, there were no rooms available and we were exhausted. A man in uniform took pity on us. In the morning he and his cousin took us to their home for something to eat. It was all very innocent and sweet. They were curious about us(American) and we were curious about them (Ghanaian). That would never happen now!   

Now I have to pack two suitcases (one with wheels) and need three meals a day. I also want to no know for sure where I am going to be sleeping each night.

When you are young, you can travel light and let the wind blow you where it may. There is nothing quite so foot-loose and fancy free.

I really appreciate that we all have kids that we can be proud of. I had one of each. The eldest, learning disabled, son and the youngest, gifted and creative daughter.

Barry - When you mentioned your son had help from his sister, it really struck a chord. The same happened in my family. Somewhere along the line my kids discovered that they could help each other along. He had the physical and social skills and she had the academic and creative skills. Together they are a very strong team. They have been in business together since they were teen-agers, and although the business(s) keep growing and changing, they are successful and happy in their work. Its wonderful to see your kids helping each other. That was an unexpected surprise for me as a parent. I didn't know such a partnership could exist. Sometimes I find I am in love with the trust between them. Each child is unique. One is not more precious than the other. Now that they are in long term relationships, its as if I have four kids. My family keeps getting bigger!

I don't want to pressure the girls but I sure would like a grandbaby in my arms. (I know, I know; don't push the river!). Being a parent gets better and better as time goes on and as the family grows, the more you have to boast about.