Today, I stood before the judge while she ordered my beautiful, nearly 17 year-old daughter to "obey your Mother's rules".
Detention is a place where out-of-control, running the streets, running away, suicide attempting, drug-seeking, drug-using, gang-hanging, punk-fighting children go. Is that not the way it appears to the public eye? Yes. Thank you. It is. However, I know that not all children who go to detention are stereotypical to the aforementioned characteristics.
I know this because my daughter went there and she is nothing like the stereotypical, desperate teen who ends up in custody of the courts. How did she end up there in the first place you ask? I signed papers. Yes. I did. There was an immediate urgency to handle a situation. I handled it. End of story.
So, what happens? We shall see.
NatE does indeed have a boyfriend I would rather she not be with. But I'm leaving it in the hands of God that she will make this choice on her own and let him go. Am I handling this in the right way? I don't know. I'm praying each day. I'm talking to the Lord, our God, our Creator on a regular basis.
I reflect back to my own life's experiences as a young girl. Never once was I allowed to think for myself. This is why I allowed my children to make choices for themselves as long as they weren't going to be in any danger. When the situation comes full circle, they usually make the right choice. Then I smile with pride and knowing that I raised them good. Be respectful. Be considerate. Love your spouse. Love your family.
My grandmother, Maw, was a very wise woman. There are a few profound statements she made to me which have followed me throughout my journeys. One is this:
"Be good to your children. Love your children. Take care of your children. But don't build your life around your children because they'll grow up and leave you, then you'll be left alone."
Maw had no idea her words would become so crucial in my days of meaningful steps . . . Maw was right.
No comments:
Post a Comment