Thanks to all of you for your insight, although I believe I've pretty much made my decision before I had posted my question its still nice to have that reinforcement of that decision. I've basically decided to stay in his life if he'll have me but like it was said teenagers are a bit self centered at this age.<BR> Perhaps a bit more info for you all would help, there are other factors here that I neglected to mention. During the filing of the divorce papers I had specifically asked for reasonable visitation with my step son but his mother refused. At sixteen though she really doesn't have much to say on the matter. I said his bio father was very much a part of his life and I wasn't kidding, he saw him and still sees him two or three times a week. Sure I was always there for him and such but I was always kind of a fixture to him, he would always go to his dad for things he needed and in time I guess I just got used to that and had to accept that I would never really have the type of relationship with him that I wanted to have. Now it's even more difficult than ever because of his social life and time he splits with his dad and mom, there doesn't ever seem to be any time for me, I seem to be getting the leftovers so to speak but I'm not complaining just stating the facts. I've told him on many occasions that I will always be here for him if he ever needs anything and in the mean time I will stay in contact with him but in no way will I force myself upon him, he's old enough to make his own decisions now. It's been a little over six weeks since he's had any time to spend with me and for some reason his mother thinks since so much time has elapsed that I have just turned my back on him *sigh* this is a no win situation for me in that aspect but a I believe its a win win situation if I remain a part of his life.<BR>Well thanks again for your help, Jax.<BR>

Hi Student,<BR> I probly have no business butting in here, but I'd like to tell ya what I think. I didn't get the slightest impression that JL was trying to get in a dig at you or your situation. And I've read both of you for a long time, heck I even quote you guys occasionally, lol. That, coupled with his denial of same, means I think you should give him another chance. You two are among the smartest people I know (course, I'm just a hillbilly banjo picker!), and I'd sure miss you guys matching your considerable wits on the wide ranging topics that come across these boards. But, I guess it's your call, Stu. Please think it over a little more before ya flush ole JL.<P>Jax! Sorry, this was your thread, wasnt it? My $0.02 is that, heck no, you have NO moral obligation to the young feller, but if I was fond of him, I sure wouldn't let my situation with his mom change anything. None of this stuff was his fault, right? I know this is "apples and oranges" but the the kid next door lost his dad (killed) 15 years ago when he was 5. You wouldnt believe the relationship he and I have had over all these years. Lord knows I love my Ds but that kid is like the son I never had. In fact, he just drove off in one of my vehicles, GULP...a '67 Corvette coupe he and I restored. I just dont think you can lose being in the kid's life...if you're mutually fond of each other.<P>Oh well....best wishes to everybody.<P>Bill