What about forgiveness? being present? Not living in the past, it only defines you if you allow it.  I have forgiven myself and my daughter for the past, doing my work to make our fragile relationship healthy.  We were estranged for 8 months, her decision, she was 18.  Not able emotionally to take such a stance in my opinion.  We reconnected, her choice, rocky road.  She since has entered the military and my hope is we can foster this relationship and grow into the mother/daughter we both deserve.

although our relationship in her early to late teens involved physical abuse which she served jail time, I also was verbally abuseive, we feed off of contnual disrespect and entitelment, this is where the forgiveness comes to light because she is more important to me than being right and hurt.  Reconsider estrangement, forgive and be present.

• This reply was modified 11 years, 8 months ago by Beth.