Children, Knowing when to let go

Like most children bred from my generation, my boys were sheltered. Though they experienced pain at an early age, they knew not the depravity from a lack of steady finances which leads to, darkness in the house after the sun goes down, wearing layered clothing within the four walls and slam sandwiches, that's just two pieces of bread and sometimes a saucy middle of ketchup or mustard or butter.
My children always had shelter, utilities, nice clothes, private transportation, all of their needs and the majority of their wants fulfilled. This is a good thing, but it's one of the reasons I felt it necessary to share with my boys the difference in how I was provided for and the provisions made for them. I did this not for pity, but so that they could gain appreciation for their circumstances and pass on the legacy of sacrifice for their offsprings.
My husband was in the Army and the Navy, came home and learned the trade of sewing, but he ultimately retired from U.S.Steel. Like many of us he could have been many things, but he had a family to care for and he meant to care for them well. He was appreciative of the the job, but hated everyday he had to clock in to manual labor job that could be overtly prejudice on occasion. Everytime he contemplated leaving that place and delving into a more satisfying, artistic venue, he would look at how well his pay checks were allowing him to provide for his family and he'd clock in another day.
After my husband transitioned all I wanted was to have my sons around me. I didn't want them out of my sight, I had to protect them, my babies are all I had left. There was one problem, my babies were men. Yes, when I look at them I see my little boys, who needed me. But outside the confines of our home others see them as men and judge them accordingly, as well they should. Now, I mentioned early that the women in my family cater to men so I have male cousins who are well past their prime still dependent on the mothers. It's a detriment to them and the women who fall for them. I refuse to make my sons dependent. We forget that when we have children the object is to raise them to become independent, not dependent. If you give a man a fish he eats for one day, if you teach him to fish he will never be hungry. I mean for my children to catch fish. It has been and still is a struggle, but God is patient and I believe in God so...
In the days to come I will introduce you to my children:
Earth - the eldest
Wind - the youngest and
Fire - the middle

Tomorrow