OT: I think I need a hug...

((((((((((((((((((((((Barbara))))))))))))))))))))))

I will keep you in my prayers.

Thanks Sandra

Barbara big hugs from me!!!! Hang in there colds will pass and as for your daughter take it from me I know what she is doing .  I did the same thing but my mom prayed for me daily.  It took me a while but I eventually saw the light.  No matter how much you try to get away from it there is no ditching your roots.  The belief that is instilled in her since childhood will guide her back. 

Leslie

Thanks Leslie

oh Sweetie - (((((HUGS))))) - I'm so sorry that you're having to deal with a cold on top of everything else. My prayer is that you recover physically and emotionally as well as be comforted by a sense of peace.

As far as your daughter's bombshell  -that's a tough one. Recognizing and respecting an individual's freewill in choices is difficult (at best). When it's our children it's even harder. Take heart in knowing that you've made the effort to set good examples and that your actions will forever speak louder than words. I understand your discomfort and have dealt with similar issues with my boys.

(((((HUGS))))). How about you go fix a cup of tea and sit down with it and we'll have a long distance tea party? I've got mine right here at my desk - bottoms up.

- Iris

Hi Iris,

Thanks for your kindness... I have been nursing one cup or hot tea or another for the past couple of days. It's my go to, when I'm feeling YUCK.

I'll PM you about my concerns re: Sarah.

Warmly,

Barb

Oh Barb, Honey.  (((((((HUGS)))))))  I'm so sorry that you're feling so down, and so sick.  I agree that you should put your birthday off until later when you feel better, and since mine is the 24th of this month, I think we should celebrate together.  Just an idea, let me know what you think.

As for Sarah, I have no children, but I remember going through something like this as a teen and I think it drove my parents nuts.  The good thing was that I had stronger beliefs instilled in me than I thought and I returned to those as I got older.  Perhaps a little different, but still basically good.  I found that nothing else felt quite "right".  I do think it is a blessing that Sarah feels she can come to you with her feelings and that the 2 of you can talk so openly about such things.  I never felt like I could be totally honest with my parents, well, not until I was an adult myself.  Please take heart that she is coming to you and not hiding what she is going through.  I know it is hard, but pray about it and trust that God will guide her and you and Ben.  I know my parents did that, and it probably saved me more than once.  Please know that I will continue to keep you all in my prayers, and especially you, my friend, as you deal with so much.  Your heart is so loving and tender, and I know your burdens are big.  Please know I am here for you anyway I can be, however you need me.

Much love and hugs,
Angela

Hi Angela,

Let's celebrate later this month or early next ... Ben's Bday is Mar 3.

I appreciate your loving kindess more than you know.

Congratulations on your downward march...

Wishing you continued success,

 Barb I sure hope things will square up soon and at least reach a place where you are well, Ben has a job, and you and your daughter will come to a reasoning that at least lets you still be mom and her the daughter. I grew up in a family that for the where my mom blasted every faith but her own as people who were going straight down the tube. Later on in life she mellowed quite a bit as many of my cousins branched out into other faiths and married and were successful positive people for it. She then changed her turn completely since she had no choice but to embrace the facts as they were not so bad in the end. It did however had a big impact on me personally because I never could understand why I was told one thing then shown another later down the road. All I could ask you is to give your daughter the benefit of the doubt and be an example of who you profess to be. Thats about all any of us can do. I well remember a story about my great-grandfather who was of one faith and married into another. The church came around and made his father disinherit him completely because of his actions. That was about a hundred years ago but the story stuck with me my half a century. Its just a little food for though and as a friend I though I would share it with you. 

Hi Push,

Thank you for your perspective and insight. I agree that there are many roads to find G-d and I'm glad that she is seeking him. If she takes a different to find G-d than I will be able to accept that. I just want her to be sure to know and understand where she is coming from and where she is going. I also want her to understand that in life, it is not uncommon for us to change roads ... maybe more than once. Unlike your mother, I am pretty liberal in my perspectives on religion... This perspective will probably help us as we make our way. Do not worry, there is no chance that Sarah would ever be disenherited in any way, shape, or form due to her religious connections.

Thanks agian for your thoughtful and considered response,