Joe is sixteen years old. He lives in England, in a small village, with his brother, Tom, his Mum and two cats.
Joe is still at school and doing very well. He has just achieved some very good results in Public Examinations (GCSE), which bode well for his future.
He is an accomplished guitarist, both electric and acoustic and, in typical adolescent fashion Joe has a whole range of "grunts", which pass for answers to questions from parents.
Joe is my son.
I am very proud of both my boys. They were young when I left, but they always knew that I didn't leave them. It must have felt that way to a five year old boy, but very regular contact built a new, different relationship.
Joe told me today that he reads my Daily Kos Diaries. Part of me was very proud that he cared enough to follow his Dad over the vast expanse of ocean, plus half a continent, that separates us.
Never a day goes by when I don't think of them, miss them, want them with me. We can't always have what we want.
I have often wondered what kind of young men, and later adults, my boys would turn into. Joe is the quieter, more introspective of the two and it can be really quite difficult to fathom his thoughts and feelings even when you are in the same room. Never mind all this distance away.
Imagine my surprise when the following exchange appeared on my Facebook Wall:
It appears that between us, his Mum and I ... and more her if I am honest, have raised a thoughtful and considerate boy.
Joe wants to be a writer. I may have him register here and tell his own story.
I have always been proud of my son, but today I am proud to share this little bit of him here, with you.
UPDATE:
I realised that I published this to my "personal" Group and the picture shows at the top.
Joe is on the right aged about nine. Tom is on the other end and the three gremlins in the middle are my 'merkin kids :)