Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible - the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family. ~ Virginia Satir
The past couple years have posed some incredibly daunting moments, but to see my children come together today at ages 19 and 15 years and truly want to spend time together is, without a doubt, one of the most gratifying maternal experiences of my life. Granted, my efforts as a parent are far from done, but they have crested the hill and I see the fruits of many years of listening, really listening, knowing my children well enough to read between their lines, sharing my experiences (yes, the good, the bad and the ugly), showing up every day even when I was tired in a bone crunching way, and making sure they knew they were, are, and will be loved and respected in all their past incarnations and the many incarnations to come. To see that both my daughter and son have deep, deep roots and a wide wingspan which lifts them high lets me know that over the years their other mother and I have helped prepare them for their respective worlds and we couldn't wish for more for them. ~ Mk Michaels
