Mary Oliver

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do

with your one wild and precious life?"









Sunday, March 31, 2013

Parenting

My youngest daughter turns twenty-four today. She is having a difficult time finding her way right now, which means I am struggling along with her. She is independent enough to want to do it all on her own but still too young to realize that we all need support from someone or something. As her mother, I am in the tough place of wanting to fix it all for her and at the same time, knowing that I can't. And that I shouldn't, even if I could. So we both just keep talking and crying and laughing and loving, and trying to see the life that just keeps happening all around us, for better and for worse.

 
 
Happy birthday, to my sweet, sweet Melissa.

 

 

 

6 comments:

  1. What a lovely girl! I hope that things click into place for her soon. One of my daughters is struggling with panic attacks right now, and it is one of the hardest things I've ever had to witness as I try to help her through them.

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    1. Thank you, and best wishes to you and your girl. I have them and I can't imagine how difficult it is for a young one. We women are strong though and I trust that you will be able to see her through them.

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  2. That's a tough spot to be in and I speak from experience. Here's hoping your beautiful daughter finds her path. Happy Birthday, Melissa.

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  3. It's so hard to resist 'helping' and yet by not helping, you really are. A difficult path to walk. And young people have so many heavy expectations placed on them...not by parents but by our society. She will figure it out and become ever more confident. She can't be more loved. Happy Birthday!

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  4. Motherhood, it is not for faint of heart that is for sure. Your darling daughter will come out stronger for having a bit of a lost time. She will find her way, Mama. And you can bet she will thanks you for being there for her.
    Meredith

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  5. Thanks so much for your honesty. I was at the same place with my daughter a year ago, and I know how heart-breaking it is -- and how hard it is to hold back! I'm sure Melissa will come through this; after all, she has you for a mom!

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