My oldest son Michael is disappointing me.  He’s intelligent.  He’s not a thug.  He’s not into drink and drugs.  He has no children (that I know of).  He’s driven.  He’s God fearing.  All that and he’s devoid of common sense–STUPID that is.  How did he get so ignorant?  Is it my fault?  Have I been an enabler? 

He graduated from high school in 2005.  Started a 2-year college  January 2006.  It’s July 2009 and he’s not finished.  He had a scholarship and lost it.  Got student loans and now they don’t want to give him anything.  Says he doesn’t want to go back to school.  “It’s not for him”.  He’s into acting.  I’ve supported him in his field.  He has a managing team, been in plays, commercials, independent films and wrote, produced and starred in a short film.  But I’ve always told him that he needs an education.  He works at a gas station/store chain 3-4 days a week making about $8/hour.  I co-signed for his car.  His cell phone is on my account.  He rents a room in a house I own with utilities, cable, washer/dryer included.   Believe me, he can’t pay anyone else what he pays me and live.  I did all this so he could concentrate on his education.

He needs to struggle and realize he is a black man with a high school diploma and that won’t get him very far.  All he sees are “stars”.  Well, I gave him an ultimatum.  Go to school the best way he can, finish his 2-year degree or get out of the house immediately.  I’m cutting the cell and making him file for his own car loan so I can get my name removed.  I’m not just blowing hot air.  He’s gotta go.  He’s 23, but 16 mentally.  Is it my fault?  Is the fact that he’s had no father figure around the problem?

What?

Michael and me