Nicole Story page 16

When she was seventeen we were having a yelling match about someplace she wanted to go that I felt was dangerous. If you argue with a teenager you always lose. I stopped in the middle of this argument and asked myself what happened to my parenting skills. I did so much better when she was young. I stopped and apologized for yelling. I explained that I was frightened that something would happen to her.

She stopped for a moment and said, “Mom, let go and let God.”

I really wanted to strangle her, but said, “Well, if you get arrested, call your Dad, and remember, I love you. I love you no matter what happens or what you do. I will always love you and I will come visit.”

Left to her own devices, she usually made good decisions.

Once Nicole was at KU, our relationship grew into something that was incredible. She would call me and actually ask for advice. I learned to share my experience and let the decisions be hers. I talked to her more than when she was living at home. She would call and say, “Mom, I need some help being and adult.” Or, “Hey Lady, Meghan and I are coming down for the weekend.”