Thank you for all of your kind and supportive comments and emails. They made me cry, and reflect, and realize that I am not alone. I have read and reread them all. Thank you for your wisdom, support and prayers. You have no idea what it means to my whole family. It’s comforting to know I have people to turn to, to cry with, to vent to and to just sit with quietly. To all of you that have been in this situation before, my heart goes out to you. I know how painful it is and I would never wish this pain upon anyone. I pray that your situation turns out positively.
This has been a tumultuous Summer. It’s not been all bad. We have seen times of joy and togetherness and pray that more times like that are possible with her. I pray that she will realize the potential she has and want to obtain that for herself. Thank you for praying for her and please do again when you just happen to think of her. She will need your continued prayers.
She left this morning. It’s been an emotionally trying day. Hubby and I are exhausted. The younger kids will be home soon and I need to pull myself together for them. She said her good-byes to them in letters and last night before they went to bed. We have to talk to them when they get home from school and I pray I say the right things to help them understand.
Thank you for all the wonderful support you have given me. I will try to respond back to all of you as soon as I can. I will also try to be back to regular blogging soon. I know you don’t come here to hear my personal problems so I’ll try to get back to the decorating and organizing and fun stuff soon. Just know that I love and appreciate all of you and thank you from the bottom of my heart.
xoxo
Leanne
There are a lot of home decor blogs. I don’t read them. I read this one.
Personal stuff keeps it real, otherwise it;s just another “business” site, not a real blog.
Hang in there. Years ago I was in this situation, only I was the friend of the daughter. I had to rush her to the ER to save her life and ask for help. It was rough. But she pulled through and now is married with kids and a great life.
Sometimes you just hit bottom and want to ask for help but don’t know how, she obviously couldn’t and it’s really good that your pride wasn’t as strong as hers. She will get better and one day she will say thanks.
Hang in there. Hug your kids, hug her friends and get some hugs for you!
Leanne, I thought about you all night. I just hurt so much for you. I have only 1 teenage daughter, and I just pray that we get through the next few years. It’s so hard for teenage girls these days…there is so much around them that is tempting and looks fun and the texting on the cellphone…it happens night & day and it just never stops. They are never ‘not’ connected with their friends and sometimes I think they forget that real life is not just fun & socializing all the time. I am sure that your daughter will become who she is meant to be, but it will just take some time to get there! Thank you so much for sharing with story. I just really identify with you as a parent of a teenage daughter, and we are all trying & hoping for the best! Angie xo
Sometimes it is refreshing to read a real blog. Meaning, you have real problems like everyone else….your not just another pretty living room.
Take your time, take deep breaths and KNOW that your readers will be here even if it is weeks before you post anything.
Our prayers are with your family during this time….lots of love and hugs.
Kari
Leanne,
I totally missed your post yesterday. Just went back and read it. Many hugs to you. Hang on to the fact that you made the best decision for you and for her. I have a 17 year old and it is sooooo hard these days. So hard. Try not to be too hard on yourself. I say that as I am too hard on myself…so I feel you. 🙂
Angie
May you experience the peace of God as you wait and pray. God is your refuge and strength an ever present help in trouble…..may you know His presence as you walk this road. Praying for a miracle in your daughters life, for her good and His glory………..prayers!
We’ll listen to whatever you want to write about. {{hugs}}
Leann,
I purposely didn’t read the other comments so I could say just what I wanted to say.
1. Recently one of my children asked me why I read your blog. She asked if we knew each other. I told her “no, I dont know her, but I like to read it because I think if we did know each other we would be friends.”
2. I have 3 siblings who have gone away from the church, some of them from the family. After having a few of my own children I wondered how my mother could stand it. She said that she cant. I appreciate her honesty. She said also that even though it hurts everyday, she cant stop living. She did go on to share her testimony of the atonement, her simple understanding of the love she feels that comes from the savior. And of how she wonders if the hurt she feels is the same hurt our Heavenly Father feels when his children go astray.
3. I too have a testimony of the Savior. My hurts are different from yours, but they still hurt. Last April’s Conference had a couple of talks about this. ( C. Scott Grow ; Kent F. Richards ; Steven E. Snow) The Lord has always been there for me with open arms. It doesn’t always take away the hurt but does make it bareable. Your testimony shines through this blog. It is obvious you love the Lord, your family, and life. I am sorry it is hard for you right now. I will pray for all of you.
3. I appreciate your honesty as well. It’s hard to admit when things are not perfect especially in this world where so much of the ugly is glamorized and covered up. sometimes it isn’t pretty, but it is alway wonderful.
I wish you and your family the best.
Jennifer
I just went back and read your previous post. I remember the post you wrote several weeks ago about not knowing where she was. I feel your pain. Not b/c I have a teenager, but b/c I was that girl to my parents. I did everything they told me not to, and didn’t do what they wanted me to. I looked at my parents as fools and thought I was so smart and knew exactly what I was doing.I look back at those days now, now that I have children of my own, and the memories of what I thought was so fun, so cool and my entire life are now memories of regret. Experiences that I wish I could re-live. The mind of a teenager is unbelievable. Why is it that I thought I knew it all? Why didn’t I believe my parents told me what to do and what not to do for my own good? Why was I so selfish? I’m lucky my parents didn’t send me away. They threatened to. They should have. It took me a long time to grow up and realize what it meant to be a responsible adult living on my own. After years of running away, disrespecting my parents (particularly my mother) and thinking I knew it all, I finally was hit with reality and guilt. I hate what I did to my parents. I think about it often. Fifteen years later we are closer than ever. It’s amazing how a parent can love a child through something like that and not give up on them. I regret many things I did in those years and I regret wasting that time hating my parents for no reason other than that I thought I knew it all and they were out to get me. I almost wish they had intervened earlier so that I would have came to this realization earlier. I’m not trying to make this all about me. I’m trying to help you understand that you are doing the right thing. She may be angry at you now, but she will be grateful later. I’m praying for you and your family. I’m so sorry you are going through tthis rough time. I hope my words have been somewhat encouraging. Hang in there, she will come around. 😉
Jen
Scissors & Spatulas
Leanne,
I totally agree with Kari….we love this blog because it is real. In this hectic world finding time for friends can be a real struggle. Sitting down to read blogs at 1am can be the best part of my day and reminds me that I’m not alone in the struggles or in the pleasure that I have in my life. Sometimes that is just enough to give me the support I need for whatever reason. As others have stated, we’ve never met, but we feel like friends.
Thank you for being you and saying what’s in your heart…it’s a blessing for us and for you. Prayers are surrounding you, your daughter and your family.
The world is round and this place may seem like the end but maybe it is the beginning.
I’m a regular reader of your blog but I’ve never left a comment. I feel compelled to just let you know that I’m praying for your family today. I will continue to pray for your family and your daughters journey. Thank you for sharing with us, this very emotional and trying situation. I’m sure it was very difficult but just think of all the prayers that are being said on your family’s behalf because you shared.
Take all the time you need for yourself and your family. No need to burn yourself out while you go through this kind of grieving process. Be there for your family and know that we’ll be here when you get back.
God Bless,
Angie
I read your original post the day it was published. It’s hung on my heart since then. I didn’t comment right away because I’ve never been in your shoes, and I didn’t want to say something that wasn’t “right.”
However, the story you’ve shared has been on my mind a lot, and so I feel I must write this:
I admire your courage. Courage to do what you and your husband feel is best for your daughter and family despite how painful it is. Courage to share some of your pain with your readers.
You’ve been in my prayers since I read your first post; you’ll stay in them. I wish you all the best.
Renee
I love you.
xoxo,
Amy
i’m w/ renee. I’ve had you & your family on my mind. Your courage is admirable and I am praying for you & yours.