DD19 is home from New Orleans! She has really enjoyed it there. Just about got to meet Brad Pitt. He has an organization called "Make it Right" that does similar stuff that DD's organization (MDS) is doing -- rebuilding homes, etc. His organization is building a home right next door to one that DD has often worked on, and he was actually there one day. He came over and met all the volunteers at the MDS house and shook their hand, but DD was at a different house that day.

DD has a new BF (boyfriend). She just broke up with one in November that she'd been seeing since this fall, due to her leaving and them choosing to not try to do the long distance relationship thing.

She hasn't dated a lot. She had one long-term boyfriend when she was 15-1/2 through 17 (for a year and a half), and the BF was only the second.

However, less than a month later, she now has a 23 y.o. boyfriend. He was also a volunteer there, he is from Canada, and he's already invited her to be his date at his cousin's wedding, which will be in Winnipeg in August. Sounds like she plans to try the long distance relationship thing with this guy. Not sure what I think of all this -- seems kind of serious already for such a short time knowing each other. But, I keep reminding myself that she is an adult. Age 19 just doesn't sound very adult yet, to me, especially to be seeing a 23 y.o. But, I guess 4 years isn't as big a deal at their ages as it would've been when they were in high school.

Here's a link to my previous post, about my empty nest.

Quote:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...hlight=orleans

After Christmas, MDS is sending her to a project in Texas to work on rebuilding homes that were also hit by hurricanes there.

~ Faith

She sounds like a very mature young lady, one that you should be very proud of! Enjoy your time with her.

I'm so glad to hear that your DD is home so that you have someone to keep you company, have lots of fun with her and do some nice things!!

I agree with Doydie that she sounds like a very mature women and what a great thing she is doing by helping re-build homes for people!! I really hope that the relationship with her boyfriend will work out - I know you are worried about her but like you said, she is an adult now and has to make these choices for herself. All you can really do is look out for her and be there to comfort her if things don't work out - that is all anyone can ask of you!

I had a so-called "friend" that was 12 and she was dating a 16 year old. The school had words with her mum but she said it was OK and that she trusted her - she is one of those parents that thinks her daughter is an angel when the truth is, she is pretty naughty and way more mature than she is. She is 13 now (the same age as me) and is still going out with the boy who is 17. I fell out with her a few months ago as she didn't understand my illness and was being pretty nasty and my mums glad in a way as she didn't really want me hanging around with her. I am so glad that your daughter isn't in this situation!

Take care and spend some nice, quality time with your DD!

Enjoy your time with your daughter Faith!

Ali --

How nice to hear the perspective of someone closer to DD's generation than to mine!

Yes, in many ways, DD is mature. Her friends look up to her as a leader, as did the youth pastor and youth sponsors from our church. She has always been passionate about donating time to causes that move her.

In spite of that, though, we have found things to knock heads about. She had a difficult/superior attitude during her year of "senioritis" the last year of high school. I was grateful that none of the choices that she made that I disagreed with that year put her in any danger.

I am hopeful that the time she is home, prior to going back to serve some more with MDS will be a positive time for all of us.

About the new BF -- I am hopeful that DD19 doesn't get hurt, and doesn't get too serious too fast, etc. You make a good point about a 12 y.o. dating a 16 y.o. being a more scary situation, in terms of the 12 y.o. being too "mature" for her age. I'm sorry, though, that she has been nasty to you; it is difficult to lose a friend.

~ Faith

Hey nice time of year to have a child back in the home....if you ever feel too empty remember...I siad I have five I can share..hehehehe

just teasing...yesterday I had to pull a all day at work...I was there 7am-330pm...then had to work 5-11pm...so it wasnt worth the trip home to turn back around....I was almost in tears when telling hubby that I wont be home...as I was thinking of not seeing the little ones...all day!!

anyhow glad your DD will be home...and you will have some time before Texas...wow I am pround of the work she is doing!! Is that something voluntary...?? and does she work then on side for money...or is it a school thing?? curious...as mine get older hehe...hgusss,sarah