I’m sorry that I never updated this thread regarding the gun I found in my sons truck.
When the police came after my call, because of my sons remarks about suicide, I told him about the situation with the gun. I told him about the threat my son made about wanting to have me arrested for "stealing" his gun. After a brief conversation, he asked me if I still had it here, and I said yes. I asked him if he would take it. I took him to where I had it, and he took it with him. He told me that they would keep it at the police station, but that I needed to understand that my son would be able to come and claim it if he had proof of ownership, which he does.
But, I just never told my son that the police had the gun. I know I probably should have, but I simply cannot do it. I guess if he ever asks me about it, that I will have to tell him where it is, and then do exactly as you suggested… Tell him that the gun will not be allowed on my property. And then he will have to choose whether or not he wants to live here.
I will say again that this son has never give me any indication that he would ever hurt anyone. The police and my oldest son who is familiar with guns have told me that it is a gun that is very often used for target practice. But especially considering the state he was in, I simply cannot allow it here. The situation with the suicide threats, or the location of the gun have never been brought up again. He is in a good place at this point, and getting his truck back on the road so he can drive himself to and from work instead of getting a ride from me.
He recently stayed after work for a employee cookout/game fest, because he works for a company that sells all kinds of leisure activity equipment. I went to pick him up at 10 o’clock that night instead of 7 o’clock. He had called earlier that afternoon to ask me if I would mind doing that and I was thrilled that he was staying. Deep in my heart I was concerned that he might be going somewhere with someone and making up the whole Company activity. But when I went to pick him up, he was so full of himself and excited and telling me all kinds of stories about how he beat the big boss in this game and how he didn’t do so well in this other game and blah blah blah. He talked about people that he got to know a little bit better and one girl and he remembered her and her father from church, and they were so nice.
So, when he is in a good place, I try to encourage / support that. When he messes up - like lying to me about his drinking, I let him know he is making poor choices, and then let it go. The distinction has always been made based on illegality. If it’s illegal, you may not do it on my property. And no drinking or smoking in the house. But he purchased the gun legally, so I had to alter the rules a bit about that.
Thanks for your concern and input.
[This message edited by WhatsRight at 2:35 PM, Sunday, May 21st]