A Slice of Life with Teens

    Lately I've been invited to write twice a month for an upcoming parenting blog written by Christians. I asked the producer of the upcoming blog to see if the style of writing I do already on this blog fits her vision. "Not really," was the affect of her words.  She wants more a story.  Hmm. I do tell stories.
    Well, with no teaching point.
    Hmm.  Perhaps that's why it's often so hard for me to relate to my teens.  I want so much to be useful, to - well you know - teach something.
    And they want to be independent. Well, you know . . . advice not wanted unless asked for.
    I understand that, but, man, it's hard to remember that.
    I'm going to experiment here and see how well I - and you - like just reading something that reveals my journey with my teens, but with no "takeaway."
    Yesterday I cleaned my teens's bedroom anticipating guests arriving.  After changing sheets and wiping off blackened windowsills, I looked at photos of animals and the scripture verses gracing their walls and I cried.
    I never thought it would be so hard to have my girls grow up and away from me.
    In the afternoon I talked to the hairstylist and a beautician for the sake of my 17 year old who will participate in junior prom in May. I wrote an e-mail to her afterwords (she's at a one-semester art boarding school called Oxbow) explaining her complicated schedule and the questions/suggestions the hairstylist had for her. 
    The words of friend of an 18 year old teen came back to me.  Something like,  "We have less connection now, but he needs me more as an administrator."
    Not my idea of fun.  I like her growing up, I like the woman she's becoming, but I miss the closeness of the old days.