Thanks for your comment Cindy. There is no greater freedom than the freedom to express ourselves fully.

Hi Jackie, Not sure if you ever read my book Find Your Courage, but if not, you will get a lot of value from the chapter entitled "The Courage to Be Yourself". I really encoiurage you to read it... then live it!

So true Tracey. Great analogy. How can we be wholehearted in the world, if we aren't being wholly who we are?!

Hi Betsy,
No i'm sure you are "not off your rocker". And if you are, well at least I hope that you enjoy being so! :) When people react to you expressing yourself in your own unique way, it generally says a lot more about them (and their fear of what people might think of them) than it does about you!
Stay you!

Great question Cam. The truth is that it really depends on how she thinks they will respond. Most definitely it has to begin with her forgiving them herself. The simle act of doing that will shift how she communicates with them moving forward. They may not respond well to her saying she 'forgives' them because they may feel they have done nothing that needs forgiveness and think she is being arrogant in saying it. But by giving up making the wrong for their behavior, andj ust accepting that they are where they are, it will at least take a weight off her and create more space for reconciling their relationship. Naturally, that can take time.
Hope that was helpful for you Cam.

An honor Ginger. I appreciate your openess... and yes, we are all so very fragile and yet, at the same time, so incredibly strong. What matters far more than how we die, is how we live. Keep living to the full and honoring the gifts life has given you.
Margie

Thanks Richard. Thought when it comes to grieving, I think most of us struggle to find our way through it. Am so glad that you have moved towward acceptance and letting go. Warmly, Margie

Thank you Janine. I really appreciate your kind words.

Thanks Christine. Keep doing your best. It's all you can ever really do... for you or your children.
Be courageous and trust yourself, you konw more than you think.

I think every parent walks that same path... wondering what they might not have done as well as they could have. But the fact that you are thoughtful about it is what matters most. Keep faith in your daughter that she will make good choices, and learn the lessons her uni experience has to offer. I konw it was a very pivotal time in my life and while my parents worried, I also know they had a strong faith in me to come out ahead. That confidence really helped me navigate my way along. Thanks for sharing and good luck!