they say....as a parent

you are only as happy

as your unhappiest child?

what if you only have one?

what if she has chosen a life that doesn't

include happiness for now?

can you yourself choose happiness?

I never thought so

I thought I had to lay in the muck with her.

I believe now

I believe

with out the sense of entitlement so many of

our kids possess

I did not choose her

path

I did not shove her down it

I did not condone her

actions...

I can be happy for me

and still pray and grieve for her.

I can love her deeply

and not love her

life style.

I can grow

spiritually

I can smile when

she is crying

I can laugh when she is angry

and I can listen with empathy, compassion

and love

without

altering my chosen path

I now strive to do my personal best

even if at this time she is unable

to do hers.

xo

WHO ARE "THEY" ANYWAY?