That would be great.

As parents, we hold out, over time for all the things we would like our daughters to be. In no order are these attributes...., attractive, perfect personality, smart, virtuous, diligent... I mean, we place so many expectations on them.

I am parenting my last daughter. I am more aware of the finite-ness, if that's a word, of my role. My intention is the same as with all of her sisters: the best she can be, the least she can hate me and the most I can influence.

I am experienced, and yet, I am a novice. She is nothing like her sisters or me. As I have always said, they are all unique and all only children. I am always in virgin territory. Every day, I try to make her time with me be as loving and validating as possible. That is tough with a teenager. They don't want to be validated or feel love or compassion from you, their mother. So, every day, I put on the mom face and say, "Have a good day." "Hope your day goes well." "Text me if you want me to come get you." "Love you."

She's 12. Yesterday, she leaned over before she got out of the car and kissed me. I don't know why. I was shocked. I have tears running down my face, now, as I type this. I was so stunned. In 12 years, that has never happened.  As much as I try to understand and share, I have no idea what was going on in her mind.

My message over all the years of their lives is the same. I am patient. I don't judge you. I'm with you in everything. But as a mom, I am in the dark. That would be great if I could understand them, but I can't. That would be great but it will never happen.