LOL, you still can't seem to figure out that I back it up. Here, just pick a point on the map and pick a school, any school. It's way beyond "a few problems." Oh, and you're all welcome to visit the politics board where you'll see my raison d'être is establishing the truth in the midst of all the lies, spin and deception... and a little fun.

One of these days you'll get it - maybe. Some of my best friends are die hard libs, that doesn't matter to me. What matters is the truth, even when it's inconvenient (take a hint Al Gore).

Since you're a Bush apologist I have to snicker when I read your post.

It's a good thing I got that maybe in there. Does being a conservative automatically mean I'm a Bush apologist? Again, I'm more interested in the truth. Not a one of us alleged "Bush apologists" has ever shown blind loyalty to the man or the party, so snicker all you want, I'll never fit your mold.

Thanks again for the support between your disagreement.LOL It is funny that we can all come from different places and yet care to help people we have never met and often have little in common with. Thanks for your comments. I am working on not being so sensitive ( not doing very well). TOday I tried to reach out again. I called her to ask if she needed some kitchen items because I was in a store with great prices. I told her about them and she said " someone probably has them you don't need to buy them" I happen to know that they don't have them because while I was waiting for her to call me back I called her roommate and she said they could use the items. What is this?? I have been trying all summer to reach out. It is as if she want to push me away.

Lacey, I wish I could give you a big hug right now. I know you are really struggling here. You have done the best that you can to raise her well and it is so difficult to let go and watch her fall and make mistakes. My daughter is going to middle school and I am teary eyed over the fact that she just turned 11. I don't know if I will be as strong as you have when she goes off to college. You are trying to reach out to her and you have to realize, she may pull away right now. It really is not about you, it is about defining herself separate from you. That is not an easy thing for a parent, but it is necessary for her to realize who she is. You will be proud of who she is and what she decides to do, because you know that you instilled good values and gave her a good foundation. I am praying for you to feel God's love and strength within you. Know that you are a good mother, and continue to love her and gently give her the space she needs. When she needs her mom, she will be calling. There will be a crisis or conflict that only a mother will know how to comfort. In the mean time, you will have to be patient. That won't be easy. Just remember how well she has done so far. She may exceed your expectations. Believing in her, will allow her to soar. I think you have been doing the best you can as well. YOur tears are not only for letting her go, but knowing that she will face her own struggles that you cannot prevent, along the way. You love her with all your heart, there is nothing more you could do or give her. Try to do something for yourself and focus on a goal that you have put aside for awhile. She will come back around. You are her safe haven and you always will be.

Thanks, Shatteredsoul your words made me cry ( again) but happy tears. I know she will do great things. She is strong willed and can accomplish anything she works to. She did make a couple of nice gestures. When she came home from work she asked about the kitchen items I bought and liked them. She said they probably could use them after all. And then just a few minutes ago she came by my office to show me her new haircut. Maybe she is trying too and doesn't know how to be grown up and yet allow me to mother her. Maybe this weekend will go OK. I will keep my expectations low so I am not disappointed. I do need to do something for myself but I have forgotten how. With four children I have immersed myself in doing things with them, sports music etc and don't really have any hobbies. Maybe time to learn one. Thanks for the vote of confidence.

You are truly a special person and a wonderful mom. I wish that my mom immersed herself in my life when I was young, like you have devoted to your children. Yes, it is easy to get lost in their lives, but you do have to reclaim your own. They will respect you for it and be proud of you for taking on a new chapter in your life. This is a beginning of great things for you, maybe this was supposed to happen, for you to discover those things that you forgot about a long time ago. A lost passion, a hidden talent, a love of yourself. So take the time to care for you, it will give you the strength to deal with the tenacious times and you are doing well. YOu are loving her and letting her go. LEarn a new hobby, painting, drawing, ceramics, pottery, a dance class, a musical instrument, write poetry. Continue to discover who you are, that is part of what you pass on as well. Remember I am rooting for you all the way!! Your welcome, it is well deserved.

AN update of the weekend. It was great! I was ever so careful to not diminish her adulthood in anyway. She wanted us to stay and help unpack and we had a great time. I cautiously asked what her plans were for Sunday as we left Saturday ( since she had previously said that she wouldn't be going to church when she returned to school) and she said "well i will see you at church and then you can take me out to lunch". She rod with her friends to church and then we all went to lunch together. She was excited to see all of her church friends and seemed to jumped right back into church so maybe she will keep going. If not she was at least considerate of my feelings and went Sunday for her family. I think things will be less strained with her gone. SHe can be her own person without my on looking. I can be less intrusive from a distance and will only know what she wants me to know which may be a good thing. We even talked about this summer and that maybe she might want to stay in her college town since her apartment is hers for a year. I guess that will most likely depend on what the boyfriend situation is by then. So thanks for the prayers and thoughts. I am in a happier place now.