Adventures In Motherhood

My 13-year-old daughter was sexually harassed in eighth grade following our relocation to Oregon. Transitioning as a teenager to a new school in the last year of middle school was difficult enough without the threat of sexual harassment. I'll never forget when my daughter described an eighth grade boy who asked her lewd questions about sex with farm animals, blow jobs and the size of penises; grooming her and impressing his friends, my daughter his innocent victim. What should've been an advanced math class quickly turned embarrassing and my daughter became privy to sexually explicit conversation that even tested my knowledge. I role-played responses with my daughter, "Turn your back to him," I instructed, "look him in the eyes and tell him no, please stop!" I called the middle school counselor who assured me steps would be taken. She encouraged all girls to speak out so that more serious consequences could be enforced. I persuaded my daughter to have ...

I will never regret playing hooky with my daughter this week. A justified 'mental health' day, we called it. A day to unplug and reset. To sleep in and rejuvenate. The day our souls connected in peace. Free from the fear of mass school shootings. Free from the pressures of social media. Free from the judgment of strangers. Free from the stress of schedules and to do lists. Free from negativity and injustice. Huddling together under blankets in the darkness. Sharing the experience of 'Pretty in Pink'. Realizing high school hasn't changed much. And clothes are back in style. I want her to know I understand. I'm here for you sweet child, no matter what. I have your back everyday. Even if threats at school persist. And you experience discomfort. Your world grows but I never waver. We continue to feed our souls. Thai food and yoga. Connecting in restoration and breath. Nurturing what's needed. Practicing stillness and letting go. Tru...