As a parent, we all know how we strive to keep our kids away from dangerous practices; things that could potentially ruin their futures or scar them. We try to teach them right from wrong and help them to become responsible adults.  I was a single mother and had to provide the leadership of both parents to my kids.  I obviously failed miserably with my son.

Recently, I helped Matt move into a new apartment.  I really don’t think he thought I’d find it, but I did.  He didn’t even try to deny that it was his.  Proof that he’s living on the edge and making unsafe decisions.  Proof that he has poor judgement and involves himself in unsafe acts that may scar him for life.  A parent’s worst fear was realized for me that day.

I found my son’s pot.

I was horrified.  “Matthew!  What the hell did you do to this pot?!” I screamed at him.

His answer of getting angry and smashing it into the sink one day just sent chills down my spine.

Sure, all it did was bend a little bit.  There were no scratches inside and it was still safe to cook with, but I was still dumbfounded.

He assured me that it was a one time only deal; that he doesn’t usually abuse his cookware in this manner.  He assured me that nothing like it has ever happened before or since.

At least it was very clean.  I suppose it could be handy for pouring gravy.  He doesn’t want to get rid of it, but he’s getting new pots and pans for his next birthday.

Then, I’m hanging this one on his kitchen wall.