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| Oops! After many attempts I am 'over' trying to get this picture rotated for easy reading. I did my best, however the 'system' beat me followed, closely by my inexperience. For some time prior to Christmas my stepdaughter Claire had asked me for my 'favourite' quote. She appeared to be very excited! The reason behind the request was apparently very 'hush, hush.' I was slightly perplexed, not having an 'all time' favourite in the 'general' category. Still she was reluctant to explain the reason behind her requisition. She visited us at the farm prior to Christmas which gave us the opportunity for a 'deep and meaningful' conversation. I expressed my love for her, along with my concerns regarding several aspects of her life. I must be honest with you; I was brutally frank in explaining that I am doing everything I can to stay alive and it bothers me to watch her destroying herself with, what I see, as an eating disorder. Claire assured me that she does not have a 'problem.' In fact, she simply 'forgets' to eat. Avoiding friends who choose to comment on her weight is also not a good idea. As nothing works in isolation we all need friends, they are to be valued and appreciated. I did not hesitate to remind her of this. I even suggested to her that there is not a family member to take on the role of 'mentoring' after my death. It would give me peace of mind to know that she is making appropriate changes. Coincidentally, I then found the following which I felt was 'perfect' for Claire. I decided to paste it on her Facebook wall as a way of affirming my words to her: 'I love you, and because I love you, I would sooner have you hate me for telling you the truth than love me for telling you lies' From Chez I certainly did not post it because it was 'MY' favourite quote! There was great fanfare on Christmas Day when Claire gathered the family to make her presentation to me. She spoke of the 14 plus years that I have been her Stepmother; she was 12 at the time of her Mother's passing. She lifted her T Shirt to uncover the tattoo; her Christmas gift to me for 2010. How do I feel about the gift? I really don't know! I believe it is her right to make decisions regarding her own body. Will she regret it later? Only time will tell. Deep down, I do admit to feeling deeply touched. 'Better a serpent than a stepmother' - Euripides |
