John wrote:I supported my five children... and still do when needed, though they "aren't in my life" as much these days. They're adults and live on their own... a parent's duty never ends.
Don't agree with that, keep it in your pants.
Amen, John. Too many fatherless kids growing up out there. I was lucky enough that even though I dealt with a mother who had alcohol and (prescription) drug addictions which she finally over came (I could tell you stories that would make you cry), and a very co-dependent, overbearing father, I still had both parents.
I grew up, and though I became an alcoholic myself, I got help and realized it was because I didn't like myself much. When I became an adult, I was to blame for my actions, not my parents.
I suppose it doesn't always matter whether or not there are both parents in your house. I'm just thankful I got my dad's strong sense of responsibility. And I'm glad my alcoholism took me down within a few years. I was bitter for awhile that there I was in my early 30's, unable to drink for the rest of my life. Now, I realize how much more damage I could have done. I already did 2 stints in the hospital with alcohol-induced pancreatitis and alcoholic hepatitis within a month. Thankfully, everything is back to normal and the smell of alchol repels me. The only true way I have found out is thru reading the Big Book of A.A., my sponsor, and A.A. itself.
Sorry for rambling.
Regarding child support, if you can't feed 'em, don't breed 'em.