Teenage Girls

If both of us survive Tori's teenage years - after all we've been through together at this point as a single-parent family - then I'll know for sure that we can survive ANYTHING. Of course, up until she turned the deadly "13", I thought we could survive ANYTHING. But, that's what the good Lord above gives us single moms - a really fabulous tried and true dose of REALITY and ZAP! We've not experienced anything at all.

I remember being a teenage girl. It's hard to remember when you're raising one until you find a small piece of quiet time and become quite pensive...age 15. 9th grade. Cary Jr. High School. Okay, well, maybe Tori isn't quite as much trouble as I thought. I want to believe that alot of things that I read about her on MYSPACE is just bragging (note to self for counseling next time - do I really need to subject myself to MYSPACE? And then I remember the horror stories I've heard..) and not stuff she really thinks - believes - feels - or does. None of that stuff is true, right? This is the same 15 year old who still sleeps with me and is afraid of 'night' bugs on the porch...would she risk these things for sneaking out? Am I abusive because her windows won't open? I think not! It's not easy raising her. No one said it would be. I wish I had the insight at her age to realize how much my parents LOVED me and how much they CARED. Another of my many questions for God when I get to heaven....is he kidding us with teenagers???

It would be wonderful if I could look back on these words - years from now - and laugh at my own worries and concerns. It would also be quite wonderful if I could convince myself to give up my concerns to God; and I'm trying! God also gave me the sometimes revered personality trait of being a little controlling and quite stubborn. That probably means that I just have to work harder (OF COURSE) to give my concerns up to HIM.

Tori is finishing up 9th grade - and on to 10th, I pray. We are finishing 9th grade by the skin of our teeth. Again, remembering my 9th grade and 10th grade years, I was very lucky to have passed ANY algebra or any geometry - much less World Geography! Yes, I was one of those who needed to know what the heck the purpose was in learning this information!?
And yes, I shared this bit of information with her. I need to give her some of my own REALITY, too...

God save the queen. Me. Tori... and at this point, the Dog.