Sounded like a nice, positive interaction with your daughter. I commend you that your conscience and sense of right prevented you from souring your interaction with your daughter because of the pain and anguish that exists in your M.
You are a strong man. You are a wise man. And like all of us, you are perfectly human, which means you are imperfect. Continue taking care of your own psyche. Continue caring for and loving your daughters. Know that you are among friends and that your value to your family and those you touch is immeasurable.
I agree with you, sometimes even saying some things in even the nicest of ways will not be received by the other person as intended or meant. Sometimes holding one's tongue is the best answer. Just remember, sometimes doing NOTHING and/or saying NOTHING is doing and saying plenty. Perfect parents do not exist. Despite our best efforts and intentions, no one ever gets through raising a child without inflicting some damage on them in some way. We can only do our best and learn from those times when we were not our best.
You are a good man. You will have what you want that is best for you and yours. Only sometimes, in turning our challenges over to God, His answers are not what we thought we wanted and certainly not what we expected to receive in turning to Him for help. As Benjamin Franklin once said, "God helps those who help themselves."
Continue helping yourself. Life is a journey. Life is a challenge. Life is change. If you're not on YOUR journey, not seeking challenge, not embracing change, well then...you're dead! I KNOW you are alive! I talked with you last night. LIVE, my brother. You are an inspiration to me; an inspiration to many.
Much love to you, Tom
Letting Go Tom; JUST DO IT! previously hopeful_husband
my A: Fall 05 W found out: Feb 06; separated immediately W pursued D, final 7/11/07
