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Dad sings ballad of regret over his parenting

By Amy Dickinson, Tribune Content Agency on

Dear Amy: I am a 71-year-old man, retired and happily married for 44 years.

We have a son, age 45, and a daughter, age 43.

Do you remember the Harry Chapin song "Cat's in the Cradle"? That song describes our relationship with our son perfectly.

When I was working, it was go, go, go -- lots of travel, building for the future.

When I was home, I thought I gave enough of my time to my son and daughter, but looking back -- maybe not.

Today, our son is very successful, but, just like me, it is go, go, go -- he is always at work.

 

He and his family live 2,500 miles away. We try to see them at least twice a year. In the interim, the only time we have with them is a once-a-month Skype session with our grandchildren.

Our relationship with our daughter and her family, who live within a three-hour drive, is much closer.

I want a closer relationship with our son, but I just do not know how to draw us closer. Any suggestions?

-- Wayward Dad

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