critters & me in azusa, ca wrote:
> On Mar 21, 9:10 am, "Ed Pawlowski" > wrote:
>> "Janet" > wrote in message
>>
>> ...
>>
>>> Michel Boucher wrote:
>>> <snip>
>>> Nothing she has done is a vicious and unwarranted as sharing details of
>>> someone's private life in a public forum in this manner.
>>> I can only hope that this is your idea of a joke.
>> My guess it is 100% genuine. Most of us have a similar tale to tell about a
>> family member. I'm happy for him. Maybe even a bit jealous since she is
>> moving out. Want to hear about my grandson?
>
> and I can give you tales about my 35 year old son...
>

My daughter gave me real problems after high school She was messing up
in community college. She had enough smarts to go to a 4 year college
but absolutely no motivation or direction. She worked part time in a
grocery store and had a car.

After failing several classes and paying for summer school herself, I
finally put my foot down and told her if she failed another class, she
would be emancipated.

Well she failed another class even though she had been warned. I gave
her 6 months to find a job and a place to live. I left ads from the
newspaper on her bed. I tried to help her learn interviewing skills. I
even charged her $50 per month rent! She did nothing.

After 3 months of not moving in any positive direction, I doubled the
rent. A month later she had a full time job and a place of her own to
live. (Several years later when she began taking college courses, I
repaid all the "rent" money with interest and she used it for books)

I have to tell you that I cried myself to sleep for weeks. It hurt me so
much to have to throw her out on her own, but I knew that if I kept
sheltering her, I was not doing her any good and only soothing my own
conscience.

Years later, she thanked me. After marrying (very well, I might add) she
returned to community college and graduated as a mom with two little
girls then continued on to get her bachelors degree with honors.

Throwing her out was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I
loved my child and I knew she would not succeed unless she was forced to
stand on her own two feet.

I've told my kids that being a parent is the hardest job you will ever
have. Childbirth isn't the only pain a mother bears, believe me.

--
Janet Wilder
Way-the-heck-south Texas
Spelling doesn't count. Cooking does.