Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Relationships, part 2

I have two daughters both of which communicate with me in totally different manners. I am a verbal communicator despite the fact that I keep a written blog and send a lot of email. Emma and I talk on our cell phones coming and going, todays conversation on STD's because that was the upcoming subject in Health. I can't protect her but I can talk to her, so that is what we did and it was easy, pleasant.

Audrey does not like to talk. I still have trouble with that and am more aware now of the need to communicate with her the way she is comfortable. Todays text message was "Are you disappointed in me?" Well, for one, it nearly broke my heart, and for two how in the world can I text an answer to that? I guess she was looking for a simple yes or no, but I felt compelled to call. "Yeah Mom, thanks, gotta go" was her response to my almost teary call.

So here is my written response to my incredible, youngest child:
Oh Audrey, I am far from disappointed in you. In fact, I am in awe of you. You did something many people never do. You stepped outside your known comfort zone, you perservered, you practiced, you performed, and despite the outcome, you rocked. I hope you are as proud of yourself as I am of you. Other peoples opinions or judgement should not be the only and final outcome of a challenge. Everytime you do something that frightens you or challenges you, you have won. I hope you continue to have the confidence to challenge yourself. You will only be the better for it, broadening your knowledge and experience. You are my hero.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are the greatest mother in the world. I love you so much!

Texan said...

Your written response was so great and so true! You and both your daughters are very lucky to have each other and your relationships! Not every mother and daughter have that!

Anonymous said...

Dana,

I realized when I finished the recent letter, that I had one thing else to say that did not get in. That I happily realized I had nothing else to teach my daughters, but I had much to learn from them.

Love Dad