Amazing apology

[Tink]

My 19 yr old has always been my wild child. She's challenged Greg and I in more ways than I can tell you since she turned 12. Tonight she came to the house and apologized to us for having been such a handful and thanked us for not having given up on her. I was so shocked I got all teary.

It was so nice to see her finally appreciating us rather than fighting against us. I have always hoped that she would mature and realize that we've done what we have out of love for her, not to make her miserable like she used to believe. I just didn't think it would happen this soon. I don't imagine she's going to totally change overnight, but it's great to see she's taking steps in the right direction at last.

It's the sweetest thing that's happened between her and us in far too long. I just had to share my joy!

[Janet]

How wonderful Tink. You're right it may not happen overnight, but what a great start. I remember feeling the same way about my parents...mostly my Mom and as I got older...I started getting it. Some never do!

[Marilyn]

So happy for you!!! Hope that this is the beginning of a much better relationship for you!!! After raising our two, I sure look at little ones differently now.

[AngieDoogles]

Congratulations Tink! Sounds like you've been a wonderful parent. I'm glad things are looking up for you and your daughter.

[DianaB]

What a wonderful thing to have happen! I'm sure that she still has some growing up but that's a wonderful step in the right direction. It's nice when our kids finally figure out that you really weren't the "bad guy" but were really just concerned about their best welfare.

[Mandy]

Thats wonderful! She appreciates you both, and showing it Glad things are looking up for you, and your daughter

[Taurus Babe]

AWW! It takes a lot to say sorry especially if you really mean it! Good for her. See you have raised a good girl! That's about the age I realized how absolutally awesome my parents were. I love them so much!

I'm really happy for you!!!

thats awsome! it does take a while to realize that parents have the best in mind for you

[Tink]

Well that didn't last long.

We got a call at quarter after one Sunday morning asking one of us to drive 20 miles and pick up Katie because she was drunk and wanted to get home. Since we didn't want her driving drunk, Greg went to pick her up. When he got there, she said she was hungry and wanted to stop at a convenience store to pick up something to eat. While there she ran into a couple of guys she knows and informed Greg she was going to a party with them rather than home with him.

Greg told her he hadn't driven all that way in the middle of the night just to see her walk off drunk with someone else. She got irate, swore and yelled, called him names, then stomped out of the place leaving him standing there red faced. He drove around for an hr trying to find her then came home alone.

Sunday morning we found out she had gone back to her car, got arrested for DUI and spent the night in jail. She called and wanted us to go with her to pick up her car. Instead, we got hold of the keys from a friend of hers, brought the car to our house, and took the battery out and unhooked a couple essential things so she can't drive it.

The car is in MY name, and there's no way we're enabling her to drive drunk again. She will lose her license now for at least a yr, so we plan to sell the car to recoup some of the money she owes us and put a stop to her arguing about getting it back.

So right now we're on her most hated list again. She's "punishing us" right now by staying away. I figure she'll need us before we need her, so am just going to wait and see how long it takes her to contact us. She has a drinking problem, and refuses to change, so we often have to draw a line when it comes to dealing with her. It's sad, but she'd have us both in the loony bin if we gave in to her way of thinking.

[AngieDoogles]

Aww Tink, I'm so sorry. That's such a sad situation to be in. She'll come around and start talking to you again. My husband's sister is doing the same thing to their mother right now, but they always end up needing mommy and daddy again. She'll be back. I hope she is able to control her drinking better in the future and not try to push away the people who care so much about her. Good luck!

[DianaB]

Oh, Tink, I'm so sorry. I know that you've had problems in the past and I was hoping that everything was better. I agree with how you're handling everything and I would be doing it the same way. It's hard but in the end you know that you're doing it for her safety. I know that you're worried about her it's just what us Moms do best. I'll keep your family in my prayers.

[judy]

Dear Tink,

I'm so sorry you're having issues with your daughter. I am too, so my heart goes out to you. You've made the same decisions I have. The decision not to enable is the most loving, but it is also the hardest decision to make and carry out. You're being a good mother.

Prayers and hugs are coming your way,

[Tink]

Thanks ladies.

I've seen Katie once this week. She called and asked me to give her a ride to work, which I did.

I got a call from a friend of hers today asking if I would bring Katie a disposable razor so she could get her legs shaved. I haven't done that.

Priorities... lol

[Taurus Babe]

I'm so sorry to hear about this new situation. I'll keep you and Katie and your hubby in my thoughts.