This post made me cry - today I have been feeling pretty hopeless - and this list is why. Feeling exactly what is described here. I am raising a child and failing miserably at it. My teenagers are more mature. And I am far less critical with them, too.
It dawned on me today that he doesn't want to grow up. Growing up is hard. Growing up is painful. The world is full of all kinds of sharp edges and alcohol and pot really dulled those for him over the last 25 years. The rest of us were growing up and making our mistakes while he got to anesthetize himself from it all. And blame me (and zombies and the Democrats) for how miserable he is.
However, I wouldn't trade it in. I learned a lot, and didn't end up losing that much after all. Maybe a little money and a little self respect. But I loved him, even if what I loved was an alcohol fueled facade. I still loved, and that felt pretty good for a while.