Thanks for sharing that, and I'm sorry to hear your son is having a hard time. I said many boys can and do thrive without a dad. I didn't say all will. What seems to be most important is to have three secure relationships that send the message that the child will be loved and cared for no matter what. Also, how good your relationship is with him matters. It sounds like you have worked hard to try to compensate for his dad abandoning him. I wish you both the best.