She’s Growing Up
Mindy’s dad, CJ, is in jail this week because he drank until 10PM the night before he KNEW he had a breathalizer test the next morning. So at age 17.5, my niece is staying home alone, with no supervision for the first time in her life.
Sure there have been times when one or both parents were going to let her stay alone, but Rob and I either camped out across the road from her Dad’s apartment, or made her come and stay with us. But we haven’t ever consented to it before.
Last night, we brought her some leftovers from the party where we were. Tonight we took her Arby’s because she loves it and it was right by the grocery store. When we came in, she was wiping down the cupboards.
Me: Min… did you get in a cleaning fit or what?
Mindy: Uh… no. I just hate it that this stupid apartment is always messy. OK then. Yes, a cleaning fit.
Maybe neither of her parents have ever taught her to be proud of her accomplishments or to make something nice just for herself to enjoy. But I’m glad she learned it along the way anyhow. Because she’s growing up and I am so proud of my niece, Mindy.
UPDATED Thursday AM
Mindy called this morning at 7:15, asking for a ride to school because she missed her bus. There were 5 cigarette butts in the ashtray when last night there were none. Come ON, little girl! I hate that!
May 8, 2008 at 12:17 am
I think that you have much to be proud of in the young lady that Mindy is becoming. You have been such a good influence on her and provided the stability that she would have lacked otherwise. What a blessing you and Rob are!!
May 9, 2008 at 10:22 am
If cigarettes is the only thing you have to worry about with her, then maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to kind of forget about that. With the struggles and paths that this young girl has been through, I think that smoking cigarettes should be the least of her worries.
Sorry. I know that’s probably not what you wanted to hear.
May 9, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Jayleigh, we do what we can. Hard sometimes, I know, frustrating and discouraging. But we do what we can. Someday Mindy will truly appreciate what you are doing for her. (Actually, she probably does so already.)
Keep on being the fabulous person you are.