Both of our sons will be leaving in the next 6 weeks. Number one son is leaving to join the service in February and number two son – who is deaf – is leaving to join a gaggle of deaf friends in an apartment in Los Angeles.

We (my wife and I) both have mixed emotions about this – we are definitely ready for them to go off on their own and they are also ready, willing and able to go. We will be glad to be out of “drama central”.

On the other hand, we worry on a number of levels. As mature as they both are, in many respects they are very naive (not very street smart) and trusting of others, which has its upsides and downsides. So will they be taken advantage of, will they be hurt, will they flourish, will they prosper? Will we cringe at every late night ring of the phone – I think we will do that forever.

Will number one son go to Iraq!!! While I applaud his patriotism and desire to serve his country, I don’t want him in Iraq – does any parent. But that is something he has thought about and come to terms with. He is an emancipated adult and therefore able to make his own decisions.

Will number two son keep his ultra trusting nature in check and not let people take advantage of him. He will be living with a good bunch of young men, so I think he’ll be alright and they’ll teach to be street smart.

Good luck and God speed to them both.