From Vince Blaise, Phoenix, AZ:

When I first read Beth Terranova's letter in August's Readers Forum objecting to my "Liberation Day" letter in June, I started laughing. My letter, written for Father's Day, said I was happy that my daughter Aria was 18 and could leave home. It was meant as a joke.

For the record, I adore both my daughters. They are my pride and joy. If I could, I'd love to have them around me forever. But for some reason, a small voice calls them to be out on their own. The evidence shows I'm not pushing them out.

Only a parent can understand the frustrations associated with child-rearing. I know there are some childless psychologists who write books on the subject. It makes me wonder what they would say if they had children.

What makes me sad is that we have too many people in this world with no sense of humor. We should all be able to laugh at ourselves and our circumstances. If I had no sense of humor, I don't think I would have been married for 25 years. I'm not anti-family--but I gave my oldest daughter on her 18th birthday a book of apartment rentals. She got a big kick out of it. I don't want to see my daughters go. They are my beloved tax deductions. Sorry--more humor!