Exhausting!

Long talks with teenagers, what a joy to behold - or should i say negotiate. Honestly, i think lawyers and philosophers are better suited for the task, not me!

Today's sit down and TALK with #1 - and i do mean that in caps, it was LONG - was two-fold and had to do with (of all things): the ability to earn or regain trust and: perceptions.

In the course of the discussion we covered a lot of ground. She and i really needed to do this and i am grateful to her for having instigated it. She told me how she felt about many things that frustrate her. i learned so much. i told her about my recent experience with shattered trust and we shared a tearful moment. Contrary to what i thought, i think she really had no idea just how strongly i felt about protecting her and her brother. She certainly has a lot to think about tonight.

#1 and i have always shared a genuine admiration for each other. Of course, through the teen years that admiration is coupled with some enormous frustration at some of the impasses that growing up and letting go creates. We discussed it tonight too. The two of us even resolved to work to bridge the transparency gap between us in order to build an increased sense of faith in each other and keep the talks happening.

Hours of hugs, talk, frustration, talk, tears, laughs, talk and moving from misunderstanding to understanding has taken its toll. i am beyond exhausted tonight.

i'm really hoping that i can get back to my own life tomorrow!