Stuffing the cat

So many teenagers today can't WAIT to move out. I've heard some plan for the move on their 18th birthday even. Are we THAT BAD of parents?? I have a 16 year old that is quite comfortable at home... and I'm glad. I shudder at the thought of him moving out. Sure, I enjoy the quiet times when he's gone overnight at times. What mother doesn't enjoy some quiet time. But to think one of those overnight trips one day will be permanent, doesn't make me giddy inside. It terrifies me. I don't want him to stay this age and never be independent. But the nurturing side of me doesn't want to lose that. I have a great relationship with my son. He says he's not gonna move out until he's 42. Okay, I'm not sure I'm going for THAT either. But he did tell me on the way to Wal-Mart the other day, he wasn't going anywhere as long as Beanie was around. (That's his 5yr old identity-crisis cat.. his 'little brother'... we'll save that info. for another post). Then it hit me! I asked him, "So you'll stay at home as long as Beanie is there?". "Yes" he replied. I think I'll have the cat stuffed.