Neal usually posts links to his stories on Parent.com, but I ran across this this morning. It *featured* on the homepage of MSN.com. Enjoy!

http://tinyurl.com/6xqxec

Loved it. Nothing better than someone who's learned to accept who he is, plusses and minuses, and can accept his kid for who he is too.

That had me cracking up. Not so much the parts about Elijah, though they are funny in a way that can only be understood by those who experience it (ahem Pie 1, I'm talking about you).

What had me cracking up most was picturing Neal in that bar in Austin screaching and flailing his arms. And why do I picture Niles and Martin Crane when Neal talks about him and his dad? Ahhh, good times.

Yes, I am a wussy man.

BUT... you're a wussy man with a link on the MSN homepage. Very cool!

I think it is too easy to see signs in our kids of those characteristics we like least about ourselves. I know my life was harder then it needed to be for a long time because I hid in books rather than learning how to deal with people and I flinch when I see the same thing in my son. I want to save him the difficulties...but it doesn't work that way.

On the other hand - I have a great husband who loves me books and all so why do I worry? Maybe those characteristics will help him to be happy too.

I hear ya loud and clear. Got a very similar, sensitive kid over here. Just like his dad.