The king was stunned. Heartbroken, he went up to the room over the gate and wept. As he wept he cried out, O my son Absalom, my dear, dear son Absalom! Why not me rather than you, my death and not yours, O Absalom, my dear, dear son! 2 Samuel 18:33 (TM)

David’s son, Absalom, rebelled against him, turned the nation against him, raided Jerusalem, drove him off, and sought his life. Yet, when David hears of Absalom’s death, he mourns bitterly. I might not of gotten that before I was a father. Your kids are your kids. They may do crazy, foolish things and disappoint you deeply – but they are still your kids – and they are a part of you.