I hear lots of folk talk about the fact that they are not their children's friend. To each his own. As young children I always tried to convey to my two, that if ever there was a need, a stress, a threat, a revelation, a fear, a happy, estatic, a question, an answer, that I hoped they would always feel comfortable to bring it to me. I never wanted them to fear talking to me about anything, or if not me to each other, or someone they could trust.

This has resulted in us having discussions about everything, from, school, friends, first love, sex, just so many Whys about life, never flinching , never judging, never pouncing into anger and admonishing them for having the trust to share with me some, of thier inner thoughts and feelings.

Disclaimer: Now, mind you, I never did these things in front of them, but once they were out of ear shot I might let out a blood curdling scream of anxiety and then go and take care of the issue or digest this new information.

My Mama was this way, so I had a good teacher, however there have been things that now as adults they will share, that make me look at them with a question, sometimes shock.

But.... with them as well as my Grandson, the lines of communication have always been open. With life being as it is, everyone should have that someone they can trust to do what is needed in any given situation, even those they can do nothing about.........except be the shoulder when you are sad and the arms when you are happy.

Meet one of mine.

My oldest Alisia. Mothers day has always been very special to me because she was born the Wednesday before Mothers Day of the year she was born, and I was released on Mother's Day, ready to be a Mama, I arrived home with my baby and several of my female family members were there, and we had to walk a sort of guantlet, they had to see how I handled her, if I was comfortable holding, feeding, changing her, after being satisfied with the results of their test, I was deemed good to go.

I've often wondered what the test scores would be now. But one thing that I know I love spending time, talking and reasoning with my Kids and they in turn still keep me in the loop, for me this means I did something right,because the lines of communication, and good conversation and fun still flows.

For the past 20 years we have made it a tradition to take a Happy Birthday and Mother's Day combo trip together.

I decided to ride to the airport with Mr. T to pick her up, my Folks were heading over to the South Coast, so we decided to take the Old Route through Sav over. I was reluctant because I wanted to come back home this way, wanted to stop at the Borders Jerk Center, for lunch, a place I learned about from RG777.

Red x's. Why is the picture not showing up?

Took plenty of pictures in case folks wanted to travel along while you get a little 'On the Ground Reporting' and a Pix Fix. Hopefully Dread can help me.

Looking forward to your pics and more of your story....

Hi Doctoro,

Good start.

Give your daughter a hug for me.

Doctoro, my sentiments exactly on the communication factor with my kids even as adults. I have two grown sons with children of their own and still have that communication. Just finished talking to my oldest son for about a hour and a half on the telephone, I know alot of women that only have this experience with their daughters, you know the old saying that men dont show their feelings.

I can remember the oldest discussing situations with me in his teens and me keeping my composure every step up the way, but my insides were flip flopping with emotions. Mostly shock, LOL!

He now has a teenage son and thank God they have the same communication. Grandsons football coach asked him one day who was his hero and he said his Dad. Coach made a personal call to congratulate my son on what a wonderful job he was doing in raising his son. Stated that he dont come in contact with a lot of teens in his profession with the disposition of my grandson. My Grandson does really well in sports in their community therefore he is recognize by many. Other parents sing his praises on his atheletic prowess (sp)but they never fail to comment on what a respectful young man he is and that always fills my heart with pride.

However, one other thing I would like to add is that some people call them mama boys that is something that use to bother me when I was younger and only because it had such a negative connotation, however, I got pass that a long time ago. If you consider a Man that takes care of his family, spends quality time with his kids, respectful to All women and people, loves his mama, then maybe they should aspire to raising a "Mama's boy"!

I can go on and on but I will stop for now.

Proud Mama and Grandma!!!!

"My girls are 16 and almost 18 and there has been some distance between us. It makes me incredibly sad that they are starting to shut me out" ...
That's just a teenage thing and it will totally disappear after a while, so not to fret!

Schuttzie, being patient and ALWAYS being there is the key they will come around, you are on the right track.

(((Schuttzie and Daughters)))

I get a blue question mark where photos should be not a red X