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This is a test............

Done differently? This may sound harsh but I would have taken less crap from my old man and laid some serious hurt on him when he effed up my family. I really regret that I was too young and innocent to recognize his BS at the time and pull out the woop-ass when he deserved it. In the end the bastard got away with everything and suffered no ill consequences. There is no justice.

Aside from that I really feel like I did the best I could under the circumstances. Life is good. And given where I started, that fact never ceases to amaze me.

JanusCole - seems like many do get away scott free leaving behind a waste land of suffering and agony - yet from the torment can grow a stronger man able and willing to truely care and concede his selfish wishes and inadequacies to become better than that. Both my folks came from incredablly horrible childhoods - both were determined to rise above the ruins. They couldn't have done it with out eachother. I think you have done the same...

That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger? Then again, a well placed fist into a well desserving jaw can do wonders for a good nights sleep.

Very good question lendaddy. I try to make our home a place of joy and comfort for my wife and kids. I think it is important to have our home a place with lots of laughter. I want the kids to look back with fond memories and joy, not regret. I don't want to be an old man saying I wish I had not taken life so seriously. Our house is a home of love, laughter and discipline.

For most of my adult life, I was really depressed that I never finished college. Had the oppurtnity to go when my parents paid my way but wound up flunking out. In the 20 years that followed, I spent most of my time hating myself. However, during that same 20 years, I got married to my great wife and had two boys whom I love dearly. Those three people are the lights of my life.

I guess I finally realised my family and not my career was the most important thing. If I had to flunk college and endure deep depression to have my wife and kids, I guess I wouldn't do anything different!

ive only been on this planet for 22 years, so I dont think Ive wanted to change anything yet.

I am happy that I went through high school and graduated college with a 3.2GPA. I stuck to the books (although i was kinda nerdy and was always the kid that got picked on). A lot of my friends do drugs or smoke a lot of weed, but I never nag them on what they do..its their life...so I stay out of it. Most people my age dont listen to you anyway.

The only things I can say I wished I could change would be not being such a dam sheltered kid (I get that wide eyed look about 'you didnt see that movie? or 'you didnt hear what happened to such and such?') and that I didnt get abused by the girls (I didnt know much and got suckered too many times)

You could say Im one of those kids that has mad girl friends but not a 'girlfriend'.

I regret everything. I'm ten pounds of angst in a five pound bag.

Woodpie, I hear you.