By Susan Diamond

There’s a special closeness between a mother and her adult son: an exceptional understanding, a mutual admiration, the enjoyment of just being together.

But that wasn’t exactly the case for Candy and Kyle.

It’s the spring of 2020 in suburban New Jersey, and the Coronavirus is raging. Mother and son are bound together by the shelter-in-place order. Nobody leaves their home except for groceries and maybe a walk down the block with the appropriate social distancing.

Candy is a retired public school teacher used to an over-active schedule of substitute teaching, canasta, hair and nail appointments, doctor visits, helping her daughter out with the kids, and going out for dinner with friends.

There’s never been a reason to stay home.

Candy has been divorced longer than she was married. She and her ex are on good terms. It’s one of those complicated relationships; impossible to sever. Health issues, financial problems, and a lengthy emotional history make it impossible to untangle the “no longer” husband and wife.

But that’s not today’s story. I want to share the story about the relationship between Candy and her son Kyle.

Kyle celebrated his fortieth birthday in the second bedroom of Candy’s condo. Failure to launch. That’s Kyle in a nutshell. He’s a wonderful guy – don’t get me wrong. A real sweetheart. Big heart, gentle manner. He’s a good looking young man, he keeps himself in good shape and, he’s helpful to his family.

Kyle is reliable, and he’s responsible. He’s doesn’t fit the profile of the hapless loser you expect to see still living with his mother at the age of forty.

So what is it about Kyle that keeps him from moving on? I believe Kyle suffers from a lack of confidence (unintentionally) reinforced daily by his mother.

I’m entitled to my opinion, and I’ve earned the right to express it: I’m Candy’s best friend...read more