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Kennedy: 18-year-old son ready to cast first vote

The younger son has turned 18 and is eligible to vote in his first presidential election. / AP Photo/Elise Amendola/File
The younger son has turned 18 and is eligible to vote in his first presidential election. / AP Photo/Elise Amendola/File The younger son has turned 18 and is eligible to vote in his first presidential election. / AP Photo/Elise Amendola/File

By Mark Kennedy 4 min read

Our younger son, a high school senior, turned 18 years old last week.

For the first time in 23 years, his mother and I have no minor children. I’m still processing what that means in the short run. In the long run, it means being one step closer to an empty nest — a thought that gives me no joy.

When asked what he wanted for his birthday, our soon-to-be 18-year-old said, “A tool belt.”

Not a subwoofer. Not the “College Football 25” video game. Not a Morgan Wallen concert ticket. But a tool belt.

Attaboy.