Tough Love

After many years of horrific outbursts and arguments, but most especially all the problems we have experienced this past year, David and I finally got tough on Elizabeth. We politely informed her if it was her true desire to move out and try her hand at living her life the way she wants with no rules to follow from us, then go right ahead. We also told her there would be no more monetary support and if the time comes and she needs to move back home, she will have to follow our rules without question. She took a little bit to think on it, then said I am leaving for a few days to think on this some more.

Ben questioned why we would do this to her when he felt his outbursts and arguments were, in his opinion, worse than what she dished out. So in good faith, I told him if he thought things were better somewhere else he could move out with the same conditions his sister has. He walked out after 10 pm saying he was going to his friend's house for the night as he needed some time to think without the pressure of talking to anyone in the family.

All I can do is cry! My kids are gone, wether for good or not, it still hurts! I know it is for the best that Beth take the time to spread her wings afterall she will be 18 in January. Still, she is only 17 right now and she has not graduated from high school. I hope she will live up to the promise I asked her to make before she left, I want her to graduate no matter where she is living. She says she will. I know what we did is for the best for the entire family, with regards to her, but it is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.

I was hurt she left and did shed some tears, but when Ben asked if he could leave to think things through, I sobbed. My baby, my youngest, my 16 year old, walking out the door with his bag and backpack just broke my heart. I want them back!, but I know they need the time to make some decisions for themselves, although, Ben should have stayed here and just asked for time alone.

Tough Love sucks! I know it is something that many people have been suggesting and many of them have had to do what we did, but it really sucks!!

If you two are reading this, please remember, I love you!!