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Empty Nest, Broken Heart
Why is letting go so hard?
My grandson Micah turned 18 on September 30th. On October 3rd he received a check from Social Security.
Because I adopted him and he is still in school, he receives support as my dependent. The money used to come into my account by direct deposit. Now it’s being mailed directly to him.
He had plans to move out of my house and rent a room from his older brother Kelso after finishing high school in December. The check changed everything.
I said, “I’ve been using those benefits to run the household and take care of you. Here’s your options: either you can turn that check over to me and stay here, or you can rent that room from your brother now and be responsible for your own expenses. Your choice.”
He thought it over, repeating the options aloud. At my house he has a room, his own bathroom, a lot of free time, and no fiscal responsibilities.
His brother asked for $600 a month including utilities. Micah would need to pay for his phone, arrange his own rides, and buy his own food. He could get a part-time job, but the benefits end if he drops out of school.
Micah decided to move to his brother’s house.
I’m okay with that. Kelso is a hard-working, responsible young man. He and his wife…
