TNG - when it's time to let go -- that's the hard part.

What's your relationship with your parents like?

I'm a boomer, 3rd child of five kids born post-war 1949-1960. My father was an injured vet who nonethelss wanted to make his impact on the world. After a heroic life, he died at age 43 of complications arising from war-related injuries. I wish we could know each other - both as adults. I wish I could have seen my father and my mother grow old together. That would have been amazing. But way leads on to way. Maybe they are growing old together in another universe.

flagamuffin makes an interesting point below about technology and the generations. My guess, though, is that parents who were supportive, loving, accepting, and appreciative of their kids probably have kids who are supportive, loving, accepting, and appreciative of them. My mom is about to turn 86. We've had some rough spots, but worked them out. I appreciate her every day. She refuses to engage with most technology. It makes my life a little harder because other relatives are always emailing me messages for her. Here's what she says, "I passed the liquor store today and I thought to myself, 'I'm so glad I don't have to go in there, because I don't drink.' I feel the same way about computers." I don't think she's crazy and out of touch. She's just living her life.

My daughter is 28. We've had our rough spots. I suspect we'll work them out. I hope so.