[ottbmare]

My son, 18, enlisted in the USMC and is due to go to Parris Island in January. He lost his retail job in October and couldn't get another one full time (partly because he cannot conceal his military appearance, and when questioned about it had to tell the truth, so no one wanted to hire him for such a brief period). Instead of working, he's been earning his keep by keeping himself and me, his mom, supplied with meat and fish. The experience has given him a lot of deep confidence. He feels proud of himself by contributing in this visible, substantial way, more so than by getting a puny paycheck; it taps into something deep in the psychology of the male. There is real value for a man in really, not metaphorically, "bringing home the bacon" for his loved ones.

[thecodont]

He feels proud of himself by contributing in this visible, substantial way, more so than by getting a puny paycheck; it taps into something deep in the psychology of the male. There is real value for a man in really, not metaphorically, "bringing home the bacon" for his loved ones.

So true!

You are justifiably proud of him. :D

[Andy'smom]

You must be very proud of him!

[Ladysmith]

Now that the best story I’ve read on here in a long time! Way to go, Mom. I’ll bet you and your husband are really proud of him. :O)