your mother made a beautiful portrait of your children, @slowwalker. You should be very proud of them, as I know you are proud of your mother. She is a true artist.

Some people spend their whole lives either trying to emulate or not be like their parents. It is a a waste of a life.

My advice to you is to be yourself - if necessary, go counter-culture, but show love to your children regardless.

It is very difficult to go against the grain of your upbringing - it's also difficult if you are in an authoritarian religion or culture to resist its teachings.

In the end, each soul is its own and we will stand or fall on the decisions of the heart.

You're a good man, @slowwalker, and i know that forming a close bond with your son is the right way for you to go.