[maroonblazer]

My situation is not too dissimilar - 52 yrs old, divorced, w/ a 12 yr old boy. The first few years ARE difficult, but the older they get both the easier and more fun it becomes. They're increasingly self-sufficient which means your focus can shift from the mundane (diapers, etc) to educating them about life. My kid was unplanned, which was especially challenging in that I never had a particular desire to be a parent. So far it's been rewarding. I have his mom to thank for at least half of that.