Sometimes having a good kid is a pain

Joe Wicked · #1 (**permalink**) 06-25-2010, 08:00 AM

Not really a rant, but I had to vent frustration so here we go. Feel free to share your own stories.

My Step Son, who is my son to me for all intents and purposes is one of the most level headed young men around. He is just about to be 22, and is currently serving in the Air Force. He is on leave and was supposed to be driving to Texas from Panama City Florida. On route, he had a blow out. Pulled the car over and changed the tire. He noticed that his spare did not have enough tread to be safe, and knew he needed to buy 2 tires. So instead of calling and asking for help, he turns around (was less than 100 miles away from base) and returns home. He then calls us and says that he did not have enough money to buy the 2 tires and drive out here and back.

He then refused to accept any money that we offered to send him to buy tires. He took leave because he is deploying over seas (can't say where) and next week is the last week he can take leave. So it took me telling him this morning that his mom cried herself to sleep last night because she is afraid she may never see him again for him to accept money from me and he made it clear it is a loan, not a gift.

The real pains only ever want money, and the good ones seem to refuse to accept help when they need it.

tcrist · #2 (**permalink**) 06-25-2010, 10:32 AM

Joe,

Sounds like a very good and proud young MAN. Very rare these days.

Tell him no problem. It is a loan. Then get it back to him in some other way later. You would want to see him now, no matter what.

Tell him to take care, that we are very proud and appreciate what he is doing for us.

trularin · #3 (**permalink**) 06-25-2010, 12:43 PM

Joe, I think they call this the price of independance.

Jamo · #4 (**permalink**) 06-25-2010, 01:44 PM

Donja hate it when they do something like that?

We're going to be ok.

jams · #5 (**permalink**) 06-26-2010, 06:18 AM

While it is a little extreem as far as independance goes you should be very proud.

Apparently he cares if it is a loan or a gift but you see the big picture. You just want to spend time together.

I would rather him refuse money than take the money for new tires and blow it on drugs.

Most kids are spoiled and expect money. Sounds like you instilled great character traits.

May he have a safe deployment.

Joe Wicked · #6 (**permalink**) 06-28-2010, 05:53 AM

Yea he is great. Turned out that he needed more than just tires. Suspension damage caused the blow out. Got it all taken care of on Friday, and he got here Saturday. He still wants to pay us back, but he ended up getting credit to fix the damage on top of what I sent him, so he is a little broke right now. He refuses to be a burden, and I do appreciate that. He just needs to learn that sometimes you need a hand, especially when you are young and in the military. It is not freeloading to take it.

I have no worries about drugs or anything like that. He doesn't even drink. Yesterday was great. We spent most of the day racing on a video game and then the 3 of us went out and watched "Prince of Persia". Good movie.

Bill Bess · #7 (**permalink**) 07-01-2010, 06:51 AM

Joe, you are a lucky man to have a son that demonstrates such good values. I think you did an excellent job of raising him and his actions are proof of that , you all deserve a hand.
Life is really good, Bill

Joe Wicked · #8 (**permalink**) 07-06-2010, 03:08 PM

Thanks Bill, He is back at work and so am I. Last week was an awesome week. We did not do a whole lot other than play games together, go to a movie, and go to speed zone to race go-karts. And I told him several times to don't do anything stupid when he ships out this fall.