I’ve had a rule since I joined Facebook that I don’t send ‘friend requests’ to the younger members of my family.  I think it should be their prerogative to invite me into their world.  I don’t want anyone to say, “OMG, my Auntie Lynne sent a Facebook request and I don’t know what to do…. Ick!”

To that end, my son and I have not been connected.  I am friends with several of his buddies (at their request, mind you).  He’s been connected with his dad ever since Tim joined Facebook  (“Mom, I felt sorry for him.  He only had, like, 29 friends and you had over 400.”) But he never sent a request to me and I honored that.

This morning, when I opened my Facebook page, things changed – a shining red button glowed under the friend request tab.  I opened the page, fully anticipating another Chinese hacker.  But it was my son, who is now friend number 571.

Sam is moving out of the house this month, into his own place.  I’ve started struggling with the “are you ready” questions.  I’m not.

But being able to keep up with him, even vicariously through a Facebook wall, will help ease me through the transition (I hope!).   I promise I will not abuse the privilege.  Thanks, Sam!