I’ve been very open on here for a long period of time now,often about very personal things such as the struggles with my son.

I’ve often found it useful to discuss stuff with forum members who are in the main,just a respected username or people I’ve met up with at meets such as Des and Chris who I respect.

Today however this openness came back and bit my a r s e.

A fellow Albion fan who I know and who I like on a personal level ( but unknown to me is a reader of this forum and maybe a contributor) has informed my son in law about something I’ve posted about my son.

This has caused hassle and me in particular some angst.

It’s my own fault for being so open but I’m sure this person will read this and will know it’s them I’m talking about and I just hope they don’t do the same thing again in future.

I won’t make the same error again,I shall be much more guarded in the future which seems sad.

What I may do is switch to a new username but if I do I will PM all the people I know and trust like Des,Chris,Prando,Albionic68 and a good few others of you so that you know the new user is me......if I do this I’d be grateful if you no longer refer to me as Mick in your replies.

On a final note regarding my son.....I have said some harsh things about him and all are deserved,he has lead me and the missus a terrible dance over the last 14 years.

There have been times when I’ve been at the limit of my patience and much to my surprise it’s been ME and me alone who has fought to keep him within our four walls and within our family unit.......I am not noted for my patience so his worst has possibly brought out the best in me on a human level.

His mum is the most caring and wonderful mother anyone can wish for but at times she’s been ready to let him free to end up wherever.

I’ve found myself challenging my own long held beliefs of how I would deal with the sorts of situations I’ve been put in by my lad and although it may seem like a strange thing to say I’m glad I’ve discovered a more empathetic and forgiving me even so late in life.

I have been challenged in different ways by all three of my kids......none have ever or will ever be treated any differently and the same for my grandchildren.......I would fight for all of them in the same way.

I would say to the person this is intended for that we have a lot in common.

Three children are a challenge......all are different but when they are young you have virtually all the control.

20 years from now will be the time for you to take stock and to be able to put yourself in my shoes.

Teenage nights out,your kids thinking they are grown up......some b a s t a r d offering them drugs.......if you’re lucky all three will be strong enough to say no but sadly the chances are that at least one will be tempted.

Bad boyfriends/girlfriends,battered emotions,mental health issues,social media issues all come into play......the next 5-10 years this will come into play for you and only in 20 years will you have a good idea of how it’s all panned out.

I wish you well with it,I really do.

There might come a point when you feel fit to burst though just like I have and the use of an anonymous ( supposedly! ) forum might help you without coming back to haunt you.

I’m sure it wasn’t meant maliciously but after this message I can assure you that mickd1961 will not open himself up again and leave himself feeling so vulnerable.

Best of luck to you,

Mick.