Plot Theme: Overcoming The Monster

Mine was this morning when I could not get a hold of my middle daughter. Now, my middle daughter is going to be 31 years old next week so why am I panicked because I can’t get a hold of her? We talk to each other before we begin work every morning. I’m a little bit emotional because tomorrow is my last day of school and my emotions are on high-alert as it is.

What To Do

I called my ex-husband so he could tell me if I was irrational. And indeed, he told me I was. He said I’ll get a call from her when she is able. Paul told me to relax, and I needed to hear these words of comfort. I loosened my panic.

I went back to writing my progress notes on each student. Mrs. Larson came into the therapy room with Damon. Damon got on a swing while Pat and I talked about panic and worry. I told her about Ame, and she shared a time when she was worried about her grown daughter.

Damon and Pat left, and Ame called me. She told me she was sorry for worrying me. Last night my singer daughter drank too many beers after open mic and ended up throwing up while Greg held her hair back. Now she was on her way to pick up three bosses who were going to work with her today.

Ame told me she didn’t know why she had to drink last night but it didn’t help her with the transition she’s going through, and it just made her sick. She said she’s taking a break from drinking for a while. We laughed at the drinking patterns in our family. We know we are changing these patterns and we don’t have to be ashamed of when we aren’t “superhuman.”

I need to chronicle my family’s stories – both the positive and not-so-positive because our stories serve as a growth catalyst and support as we accept each other as an evolving person and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. When we capture our stories, like this, in a book, we help boost each other up on the ladder of belonging, love, self-esteem, and self-actualization. And the books serve as a springboard for our family’s internal and outward heritage. We support each other in a dynamic, positive way. When we admit our failings, we change our stories. Rebirth and transformation happen to us when we risk accepting that life is a constant change.

I asked Ame if she looked cute (because she always looks cute.) She said she had her star shirt on which makes her kind of hippy looking. We laughed, and I said, “well have fun with that persona and show your business savvy to your bosses and they will be dazzled.

So the panic is gone. But during that panic, all that mattered was knowing Ame was safe and healthy. I let go of the bills and debt. I let go of my “to do” list and everything else. All I wanted was my daughter safe, healthy and happy.  And now that I know she’s okay, everything else is in proper perspective. I have less worry and more gratitude.