Brave Enough To Be Bliss

never thought about that before. This book helped me feel in control of my life and my future; something that I would guess Melissa hasn't felt (powerful and in control). I can't imagine how difficult her high school experience must have been and how painful it is to feel that some of that drama is now carrying over to college. The good thing about KU, though, is that it is big and there are many other people she can connect to if she's willing to reach out to new circles of people. I know how hard that can be, but it is possible, and it would be the best thing for her. If she can just have the courage to take the first step, she'll be so glad she did. The excerpt I saw this morning reminded me of these two books and how important it is for someone who has been hurt to feel they have control of their lives and their future. Certainly, I have no idea about Melissa’s personality or willingness to ac cept suggestions, but I just know how much resources like these, in addition to the Bible, helped me understand that I could decide to take my life in whatever direction I wanted, but as a college freshman it was now up to me, just like it is up to Melissa. I hope she can realize, while she may still be living with some of them, these girls don't get to decide her future or how she feels about herself. And how she feels about herself is the most important determinant of how she can move forward successfully in her life. We all have it within ourselves to overcome whatever has been done to us, but we must accept that control and decide to move in a direction that is positive and away from the pain inflicted on us in the past.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of and praying for you all. Hang in there, she'll find her way and overcome these challenges. She's obviously coming from a line of very strong and beautiful women!

Take care and have a wonderful day and week, Ginger

“Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back, and reasons to stay.” Dalai Lama

When Kylee began her senior year of high school, I began to be very reflective and since I wasn’t working, I had plenty of time. Perhaps too much time. Maybe many people would have had this discussion with their child, but not surprisingly, I wrote my thoughts while she was spending the weekend with her dad. I’m sure I was missing her, knowing the amount of time left with her living at home was limited.

This is a good example of how even though I expected myself to be a perfect mom, she never did and was quick to assure me I was enough, had done enough, and she was going to be just fine living on her own.

On Sep 29, 2013, at 8:22 PM, Ginger Bliss wrote: I have been thinking the past few months, and I just don't want to forget to tell you this so thought I'd tell you now. I feel very badly that I didn't insist that you go to Sunday School or youth group as you were growing up. I had every intention when you were born of us going to church as a family and you going to Sunday School as I did when I was little, then youth group as you got into middle school, etc. It didn't work out for us as a family, and I didn't insist on it for you and I and I regret that very much. I feel like you have missed out on a foundation that I wanted you to have. I may not have talked a lot about my faith as you were growing up, but it has always been something that I could count on and that was an assurance that I wanted you to have as well. You know I'm not a big talker, but hopefully you have been able to pick up on some of the ways that I try to live out my faith as you've grown up, even if that connection wasn't verbally made by me to you. I do hope that as you mature and have the choice on your own moving forward, that you will choose to attend church and maybe even be involved in a college student faith group or something where you'll be able to build on your personal relationship with God and develop other friendships as well. I just wanted to apologize for not giving you all the background and exposure that you should have had. As you already know quite well, I am far from perfect, but I wanted you to know that this is something I have felt badly about for some time. If there's ever anything I can do to support you in your faith or any other aspect of your life, please don't hesitate to let me know. I am always happy to talk about anything verbally, I just don't ever want you to feel that I'm preaching to you or lecturing you or pressuring you. At this point, you are in the position to choose what you want in your life, I just hope you know how much I hope your faith continues to grow so that you can always have your faith no matter what else happens in your life. There are, of course, many other things I fell short on...but this one I felt warranted specific mention. I love you sweetie and despite all my flaws and all the things I didn't do as I should have or would if I could do it over, you have always been and will always be the most important thing in my life. Of that, you can be sure.

Hope you're having a good evening. Try to get to bed early since your head was already hurting and let me know how you're doing in the morning. It's The Voice on Monday, so at least there's that to look forward to starting the week!

Love you lots, to infinity and beyond in fact, Mom XOXO

69