I spent last evening with my daughter Molly ( the 3rd from the right with the beautiful smile) and an amazing group of people. A year and a day ago I dropped her off at a rehab center, after many months of watching her nearly destroy her life with drugs. It was hard leaving her there, not knowing if I would ever have her back.
Molly made a choice that day - a choice she's still making every day since and that is to stay clean. The dinner and meeting afterwards was a celebration of that.
One year.
She has had a large group of people walking with her in this hard won victory. These kids are literally fighting for their lives. I was struck by their willingness to share their pasts, their struggles, their hopes and fears.
As I hugged Molly I cried with gratefulness for answered prayers and for the sweet joy of holding my girl again and seeing a way ahead for her.
A friend once comforted me when I was worried about my kids when he reminded me that they are on a journey that has years to go.
This was a very very happy stop along that journey. I am so proud of you Molly.
At the hospital today with pregnant daughter #2 waiting for the second of three granddaughters due this year.
I could be wrong but Molly looks way too happy on her bouncy ball to have this baby any time soon.
Let's have a little pain here.
This year is a grandmother's jackpot. I have three daughters who are each having a daughter. Pink is the go to color around here. A few days ago we had a baby shower for Molly and cuteness was everywhere. So if you have enough sons for a basketball team - what do you get with so many girls? (Besides the joy!)
And on Sunday our 3rd daughter graduated from High School. Molly lives in another part of the state and we traveled a few hours yesterday to celebrate her accomplishment. She hasn't lived with us for many years and her path both to our house and through and out of our home has been difficult for her. Although she hasn't lived with us, we have been behind her every step through her journey into adulthood. Life will not be easy for her and she often chooses paths that make it even more difficult, but yesterday was a testament to her tenacity. Despite moving more times then I can count, often in the middle of a school year, she did the work and accomplished this milestone. You're awesome Molly and we love you!
(Stay tuned when next week our oldest grandson graduates as well.)
