I Am How Old & Doing What?!?!?!?!?!?!

Honey you should be so proud and have a huge smile on your face. You are so lucky to have a daughter who has her head on straight. There are so many things she could be doing that are detremential to herself and her body. I have a 26 year old son and he is still home. He has a good job and went to college. He has never gave me a problem. He has been on many road trips with his job and each time he goes my heart aches. I just hug him and tell him be careful enjoy the trip and know we are here when you get back. I love him so much and its so hard to let go....He told me the other day he wants to buy a home that is big enough for his dad and I. He said that when we get old he wants us to be taken care of since we have always took care of him. I know he means it too. I cry when I sit back and see his accomplishments. Hug that girl and hold your head high you all have done a great job......

                                                                               Julie

I allowed my daughter to marry her bf of 4 years a month before her 17th birthday. He was going away in the Army and would be stationed in Texas. I knew I didn't really have much choice since she is a headstrong girl and would just run off and marry him once she was 18 any way. 

Little did I realize (yeah.... i can be pretty blonde) she was going to follow him to Texas and leave me! I thought she just wouldnl't go... couldn't stand the thought of leaving mom... etc etc etc.  Boy was I mistaken.

She moved to Texas and to be honest with you, it broke my heart.  I grieved for her like she had died.  I still have sons at home, but she is my only girl and we did so many things together.  After the first year, it got easier, but I still hated it, and hated her husband even more (always had). 
3 years later when his service was up, they came home and she moved back home with me.   I was a THRILLED Mom!!! She's been back home now for a year and 2 weeks ago, moved out to live with some friends. I'm much happier having her nearby. It was the distance that nearly killed me... knowing that she truly was on her own and I couldn't do what a mother does... protect her young.

Not what you wanted to hear.... but that was how I handled the seperation from my child. (Not very well).

However, if you need a shoulder to cry on, someone to whine to, feel free to let me know!
~hugs~
Ren

Nooooooooooooooo they grow up?????  I don't want my baby to grow up!!!! LOL  A bond between a mom and her daughter is really special. People always talk about girls and their daddy's, but I think the mom/daughter relationship is really something.  I started later (not by choice), so I'll be about 48 when my daughter goes to college.  YIKES!!  She's only 18 months old and I already miss her being a little itty bitty baby.  She is so independent for her age. Sometimes I just want her cling to me, but she doesn't do that often.

It sounds like your daughter has a very bright future. I'm sure she owes a lot of that to you, mom! Good job! I can't give you any advice, because I know I'm going to totally freak out when my daughter wants to leave home. My husband already thinks I'm nuts because I"m always telling her she can stay with me forever (like she understands that) LOL.

Heather:
Congratulations.  What an accomplishment you have made, especially in this day and age when there are so many distractions.  Enjoy the ride as there may be some bumps along the way that will force her back to the nest.  Stand tall and proud that you have done your job well as that is all that we really want for our children, to be able to stand for themselves.  Good work!!!
On another subject:  I called Deb about the support group meeting and didn't really get a response from her.  She is checking with the hospital to see where they have the meeting scheduled and will get back with us soon.  Look for a post soon, or I will let you know.



And, I'm with Tia, you sure don't look old enough to have a 16 yr old.