Do you mean Amber, Wanda? I love Danielle and the Swon Brothers, too, and I hope they'll find success in music whether they win or not. (I think American Idol has taught us that winning doesn't always predict the future.) I'd love to see Michelle, Sasha, and Amber do well, too. All three are awesome singers. I'm not crazy about Holly, though, and I wouldn't mind seeing her and Sarah Simmons go home. I'm a fan of all the rest.

@justmetoo, you are right, this is hard emotionally for my husband. However, it's not the first or even second time that SS29 has found himself without a place to live, just the first time that none of his usual fall backs, his BM, dad, grandmother, sister, or gf are backing him up. I feel for DH, Everyone wants to feel proud of their children and no one wants to see them suffer, even when the "suffering" is of their own creation. On "turning him out in to the streets", we are not turning him out. Just not really inviting him in and there is a big difference to me. Maime suggested setting him up in a motel or apartment and paying a couple of months rent. BOTH of those have been done for him in the past. Once DH's deposits ran out on that apartment years ago, he was evicted and moved in with GF. About a year later, after SS and GF had their 1st baby(remember there are two, daddy with no income) with no home of their own to go to, once DH's upfront payments ran out at a motel, and he refused to keep chipping in, BM footed the bill at a motel for SS, GF and SGS 8 1/2 who was an infant at the time until she started financially crippling herself. Even a cheap motel room gets expensive, it was $50/day and SS had not figured out that he was costing his mother $1500 a month for a one room motel room! DH paid for other things like diapers, formula, food, bus passes with an allowance! Even I, evil SM, got in to the act with clothes for the baby, some cash and shuttling them a few times to pediatrician appointments. SD eventually let them stay at her home temporarily but luckily her husband insisted that it be short term only. Them or him he said, went on a long business trip and insisted they be gone when he came back! Then BM rented a townhouse and singlehandley supported SS, GF, SGS and herself for year or two in another effort to prevent homelessness. Of course, before, all of the family efforts to prevent homelessness were anchored on protecting their kids. But now, his kids aren't in the crisis mix, just him, 30 years old. GF has them settled in her sister's Section 8 apartment in the desert. This is a long and sorry tale. I'm only talking about the misadventures as it relates to SS living situations, not so many other things. I really do feel for my husband as I have seen him endure embarrassment and not a little shame regarding his adult son. I've had anger, he has had anger and shame. DH moved out from his childhood home after high school, went to work and college and never looked back with his hand out! My personal road has been softer but my parents would NEVER have had me on the dole like this Grown man has been for years. On the question regarding whether SS29 is mentally ill, to me, that is the BIG question that's been on the table a long time. DH, BM and SD don't say so, at least not to me of course, but that's always in the back of their minds I believe. But, then, they say he is functional and expect him to be...

I think a restaurant idea is fine Judy. We have done that several times and have had fun. Can the young man that bought your house come and start planting his things and then you and Tom could help keep things watered and weeded. Maybe he would let you stay in the house if you help out. It sure is going to be a pain having to move twice. I know what I will be doing while visiting you....lol helping unpack boxes and setting things up. Everything will fall into place so don't worry about it too much.

I was going to suggest that any of the canned items you give him should have the pop tops...unless you open them for him. There used to be a guy living under the freeway by DS's work and we used to pack him something just about everyday. Between me and my son he ate at least 1-2 meals a day. Turns out his wife and child were killed in an accident a few years before and he just lost it for a few months...depression and lost his job. Just gave up on everything he had going. He couldn't get himself together after that and ended up homeless and helpless. My son got to know him pretty well and took him food everyday, and clothing from time to time. He was really a nice guy. We gave him a one man tent which he appreciated in the rainy months. He refused alot of blankets and such as he had to move around alot and couldn't carry it all. He just disappeard one day my son said...no one seemed to know what happened to him after that. I do hope he found some help and got a job and a place to stay. You just never know what their story is and why they are the way they are. I too look at them differently after this man's story. Good for you CR for not turning him away. I figure if they are not asking for money then they are pretty legit in asking. I'll give food and clothing...I have a problem giving money..I'm afraid it'll go for booze and drugs. Dh gives money with no problem....he always says "whatever gets them through the day"...I wish I could see it that way.