"Man of the House now"

Something that alot of people say to Morgan is "Now that you are man of the house......" and finish with some sort of advice. Its all well meaning, kind and thoughtful - I understand this; but it disturbs me on a few levels.... and my heart just wrings with his response - which I will share a little further down.

I am disturbed thinking that people believe that there needs to be a man in my house - in order for me to be happy, safe, secure or whatever it is that a 'man' is supposed to bring.  I've always been independent, and perhaps this is a failing or flaw on my behalf.

It saddens me to think that a 10 year old aught to take on any sort of responsibility in 'heading' a family.  Morgan is so mature in so many ways, being forced to grow up with concepts - but in other ways he is just a little kid.. and I want him to stay that ways for as long as possible.  Being a grown up isn't all its cracked up to be.

It saddens me to see Morgan taking on a bigger role within our family unit - the weight of responsibility on his shoulders is clearly seen now.  He worries over and for me incessantly. I am not sure how to stop this; not with the constant reminders from well meaning people that he now "needs to take care of the girls", and that he is "the man of the family".

His maturity makes my heart swell. His response, without missing a beat, is always, "Thanks, but I'm only doing it till Dad gets back and he can take over then."

Blessings be... He will be ( and is growing to be) a magnificent young man.