be a great mother

for stories about her trip to Spain and France, and write them in a notebook. It will be a good keepsake for her.

7. I hope my daughters will always remain friends with each other.
8. I hope that my daughters will cope with disappointment in healthy, life renewing ways

6. I want my daughters to know that they can always talk to me. And when communication breaks down, that they realize my commitment to always be there, helping to rebuild the way.

is giving us a tad bit of trouble. She is niggling at everyone’s weak points. Okay, she’s 19 and back for college break. I’ve been there and done that. It doesn’t make it right. We talk, but carefully. We must keep communication open.

5. That they listen more and criticize less.

Today my daughter is trying out for a club volleyball team. As a teen I never competed in anything. I prided myself as a pacifist, which I interpreted as including being passive. My children all compete in one way or another. It is strange territory for me. I would like to be able to help them make the most of their competitive experiences. It is a major challenge for me.

4. I want my children to always have hope. When things get tough, I want my children to not be bogged down with anxiety or despair, but to see possibilities ahead.

3. I hope that my children will be honest, for that opens the door to communication with a freer heart.

2. I want my daughters to love. Of course this is the big one, needing many wishes to support it.

1. I would like to start with health. There are more possibilities when you have your health.