For almost a year now my oldest son has been gone, and boy have I missed him. He was always my best helper, but his absence has also brought positive developments. My youngest son who often tended to disappear first when it came to work around the house and the family farm can’t anymore. There is no older brother to take care of it for him.

To be honest I’m relieved he’s learned to step up. I no longer worry I’m raising a lazy man who won’t be of much value to his future wife. And, looking back, I realize his behavior might have been partly my fault. I always called out for my oldest son first when I needed a strong back to assist me when their father wasn’t home. But now that I know how capable my youngest is, he’s done for. He won’t be getting out of anything ever again, even after his older brother comes home in another year.