He came to me

And when it really matters...when there is something that could be overwhelming and insurmountable on his own...my 18 year old came to me...to lay his burdens on my shoulder with tears streaming down his cheeks...he came to me for hope and help.

After all of my worrying and it is warranted, he knew that he could count on me. Thus, my boy knows that he wants to be a man, but that he still needs help...we had a good talk....a very good talk...after which, Youngest came upstairs and told Oldest, "I miss you," more tears in Oldest's eyes. Maybe he did "get" it all along, he just needed to come to that conclusion on his own.