Sorry to dump this on you guys but some days, being a mother is more stressful than others. On a scale of one to ten, this day was an eleven! My daughter who is in the midst of a breakup called to be consoled. She's lonely, and in a foreign country. She's also in denial, hoping for a miracle to happen. It's a delicate thing, not wanting to encourage hope where there is none, but not wanting to deny her of it either.

Happily, one of my sons managed to avert what seemed like an eminent breakup. Unfortunately, because of a variety of complications, they have serious money issues. I'm not exactly helpless here, but we've bailed them out for the last three months, and many times before that. Last month we told them it was the last time. It kills me to be the 'bad guy' but if we don't stand firm, there are sure to be many more 'last times' in our future.

I gave them some leads on some people who may be interested in buying up the inventory of the shop they have decided to close. Another idea would simply be to have a BLOW OUT sale. I'm confident that they'd have the money they need if they put their mind to it. It should be easier to focus their attention on financial matters now that the relationship has stabilized.... if they only will.

Lastly, my middle daughter is having what may be serious medical issues. I'm trying to get her to go to the ER but because there was physical abuse involved, she hesitates. Yes, she kicked the guy out, thank goodness! Unfortunately, she lives by the typical druggy code of never ratting anybody out, even if he's a (word I can't write in this space!) The honor is not in truth, but in the perpetuation and protection of secrets and lies.

This code is so ludicrous to me, but I haven't ever been able to convince her of that. Is she willing to give her life for it? Maybe she has as much to fear as he does. I don't know. I'm waiting on pins and needles.

In many ways I, too, am in my oldest daughter's shoes, hoping for a miracle. Maybe they all get their denial of truths they don't want to face from me.

Take another little piece of my heart out...baby...