My therapist says that children go from dog to cat to dog as they grow up.

When they are little, they are like puppies. They follow you everywhere, and they think that Mama is the greatest thing since sliced cheese.

When they become teenagers, they turn into cats. They want nothing to do with you, and they become aloof and uncommunicative. (In the case of my boys, that was an understatement.) The most you can do with them is leave the door a crack open, maybe a bowl with a little bit of food and water, and they will come and go without acknowledging you.

When the teen years have passed, they become like dogs again. All of a sudden, Mama is not as uncool and old and stodgy as she once seemed. Heck, she even starts making sense. Oh, wait! Hanging out with her seems like a good idea! It can even be fun!

I think that we are getting to that point now, and I could not be happier.

Or like an old friend of mine used to say "Adolescence is a disease that affects the entire family, until it is over."

In other words, I had a wonderful mother's day, and I cannot wish for better kids.

There is hope at the end of the road. Light at the end of the tunnel, and this time it appears it ain't no train.