Jessica and I have not gotten along for about a year, since she has had a boyfriend. After an another argument, Paul privately told me that I was not letting her grow up and was treating her like she was 10 instead of almost 18. I didn't want to make the same mistakes that my mom did. After I got over the hurt feelings, I agreed with him. I started thinking about how to make our life better and make a more suitable home for adult children.

I made a plan and decided it would be best for a family meeting. I would tell them what I would give them and what I expected in return, and then let them have their input also. I had the speech worked out in my head and knew the ending would be us all laughing, holding hands and skipping in a meadow full of wildflowers with a gentle breeze blowing our hair. What was I thinking???????

I was half right, Jimmy was fine with what I said to him. He just needed to work on cleaning up after himself instead of expecting us to do it.

Jessica wasn't excited about the things I said, which were tons better then what she already had. She said many hurtful things to both me and Paul. She spoke what has been built up for months, if not years. I was sadden by what she said but glad she finally spoke what she felt. It ended with Jess and me hugging and wiping the tears, then we went our separate ways for alone time.

I hope that was the last of the explosions between us. I love her and want a good life for her. It is hard to let her decide what that "good life" will be.