This is me when I was 16. I was at Girl's Camp with my Young Women's Advisor, who incidentally was like my 2nd mother. In many ways, she was my mother. With young children of her own, she was always able somehow to put me first. I appreciate her.I can still remember what it was like to be a teenager in so many ways. For the most part, I just felt misunderstood and also alone.
I met a girl a while ago that I recognized. She reminded me so much of myself when I was her age. And with a clarity that only comes from hindsight, I realized that I've known many girls like the teenaged Amy, and most of them were missing a key ingredient to normal development, and sadly that's a the solid influence of a grown-up parent.
I hate all that I did to replace the influence of my parents. And when I see other girls doing the same things, I want to scream at their parents. They don't realize that they are the single biggest reason for their child's "activities".
It took me so long to outgrow the thought processes that lead me down the roads I walked. I wish so much that I'd been given a better opportunity; that somehow my parents could know what they know now so that I could have avoided a lot of trouble, literally.
My single greatest hope is that I can help my daughter avoid those back allies. I also wish I could help the girls who are already there.
7 backward glances:
Thank goodness for the YW program hun :) Your picture made me think about several YW leaders that I loved for given so unconditional to me. I also hope that my relationship with my children will remain strong, last night I held my 7 year old for 20 minutes while he cried about being grounded. It felt good to have him in my arms, even if the punishment remained the same after the breakdown. It is hard to be a parent, even tough love is heartbreaking.
I, for one, know that YOU Rachel, were that kind of YW leader. Thank goodness for women like you!
hey,i am a 19yr old girl and i guess i am going through more or less the same things as the teenaged Amy.i was just wondering what did you mean by "missing a key ingredient to normal development."
hi mona, i tried to access your profile to email you privately but it was unavailable. if you email me, i'd be glad to explain. you can get to my email address by clicking on my avatar. hope to hear from you!
Sometimes I think that is all a girl has. I think thats why most of the young women leaders are awesome. I remember how many hours Rachel put into the girls in our ward.
Amy I think you are a great person, and love being your friend. I am glad that Advisor took you under her wing.
I think that because of the things that you went through, you are a very strong person.
And you will? a great example to SP.
hey, this is mona again.i sent u my mial id....but dint get ur reply yet....still waiting....
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