Support

     I've often wondered why some people find it so difficult to be supportive.  I love my family and friends so much I try to support them in every way.  Sometimes, most times, they make decisions I wouldn't want them to make.  Decisions I question, only to myself.  I would never assume to tell anyone what is best for them.  Only a person who truly knows his/her own heart can do that.  But even when I question their decisions, I rally around them, hug them, tell them everything will work out great.  I thought that was what you do when you love someone.
     Cait has decided to home school and get her GED instead of finishing her senior year of high school.  It was a difficult decision, not because she is unsure, but because it goes against the 'norm'.  It was not made because she and her long-time boyfriend broke up recently, although that was definitely a contributing factor.  Cait and Nolan had been together so long they shared everything.  The same friends, social scene, activities, so of course, that would influence her decision.  But, Cait has discovered she can be her own person.  She doesn't have to conform.  She can be strong in her believes, in her faith and I could not be more proud of her.
     Oh, and she has already scored high enough on her ACT to be admitted to her dream school, Western Kentucky University next Fall.  And after she passes her GED has been approved for early admission at our local community college where she will attend one semester in January before heading to Western.  But, still, people are gossiping, judging, ridiculing.  People who should be the ones who love her most.  People she should be able to trust.  And it hurts.  It hurts her and that, in turn, hurts me.
     I'm struggling with so many emotions right now.  Anger.  Resentment.  Anger.  She is my child and when she goes through a difficult time, Mama Bear's claws want to extend.  I want to protect her, shield her from this pain, this betrayal, but I can't and there is no worse feeling.
     So, how do we, as parents, deal with something like this?  I don't know.  All I know is, this is a lesson we've all had to learn at one time or another if we have truly followed our hearts.  What is that lesson?  Some people only love you if you adhere to their way of thinking.  And that is not truly love.