Yep,it would be nice if we could all stop "looking for love in all the wrong places." I'm so sorry you had it so rough, number 5 (geez, I wish you'd change that name). We expect our parents to be loving and wise and they are, unfortunately, human with a lot of baggage of their own.

You were the best mom you could possibly for who you were at the time. You are the best mom you possibly can be right now! Pat yourself on the back. Glad you come here for support, too -- we love you!

Your parents seem pretty toxic. You might think about putting them on your "do not call" list. This is a time when you need the healthiest people around you you can possibly have -- people who see God within you shining forth.

We do. Keep coming back.

Thank you all. Its good to know I have a safe place to come to with people who get it...

You are great people, why couldn't I have met ladies like you before???!!

Most of my friends have been men because I didn't trust females but you all seem to be different. Maybe I just didn't know where to look for friends. Anyway, thanks a lot for being there.

Searcher,
I think you were thinking of the word "agape" for love of mortals. It's a great word and feeling.

Number 5, you are here now, and that's what counts! Can't change the past -- all you have is today -- so have a great one!

Yes, I was referring to agape - looked it up after I wrote that - also, #5, there is eros - you might wish to look it up too - just search under words for Biblical love.

Number 5, we DO wish you'd change that name!!! It no longer is something that should decribe you.

I agree with Casey - put your parents on the back burner for a least a good long time. Let them live their lives, while you are busy creating one of your own making....

Searcher

Searcher,
I know you mean well, but please don't fuss at Number 5 about her screen name. She has so many problems to deal with right now. If she likes the name and it is not obscene or something, she should be allowed to call herself whatever she wants.

But that's just me.

smile

Smile, casey, Searcher, I did it!! It even feels better to see it in print. I'm no longer Number 5, now I'm turning over a ---NewLeaf

I got a kudo at work today too for a job well done. God is good. He promised never to leave us or forsake us. I feel his presence daily in so many ways.

Aaliyah is starting to feel better now too it seems. We got a baby Guenia pig last night which she named Sleeping Beauty...isn't that cute!

Hope life is treating all of you well.

Oh, a correction in the address for Katie: she is in bldg. 4C3 now instead of JAFNALL

Newleaf I love the name and it depicts what you are all about now. Bravo you really picked a good one. Welcome Newleaf to the forum as the new you.....

[ April 10, 2006, 09:16 PM: Message edited by: chatty lady ]

Perfect new name, Newleaf! It has such a nice ring to it - I was going to withdraw as Smile suggested - you DO have so much to worry about, but since you went ahead and did, I'm really glad!

Searcher

Oh, wow!!! I wish you could see the big grin on my face, Newleaf!!!!!!

It feels so very right! And the power behind the new name is right there with you. Names do have power. It's how we label ourselves that reflects to the outside who we belive we are. That's why it's so very important!

You rock, Newleaf! I am so very proud of you!

(Will the letter I already sent get to Katie?)