You know when her mother was making her go to church youth groups three times a week, homeschooling her with Creationist centered "learning" materials, and exposing her to people who told her that her father was an agent of Satan, I really used to worry about how my daughter would turn out in the end.
For my part I never told her that those people were nuts or made her choose between MY views on religion vs her mother's. I simply waited, believing that with my genes there had to come a day when she would cry bullshit.
And when that day came all I did was give her access to the information and told her that it was her journey and that I would meet her at the end.
It took awhile but eventually I looked over my shoulder and there she was walking a path very similar to my own. Which is very nice, because sometimes it can be so very, very lonely.
I love the photo. Plus the text.
ReplyDeleteOff topic, previously I sent the NPR article about the (pictured) ocean frost flowers to family and other friends.
Gryphen, your daughter might be interested in the same article:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2012/12/17/167469845/suddenly-theres-a-meadow-in-the-ocean-with-flowers-everywhere
Thanks for the link, Paul! That's amazing! I have never heard of these! While beautiful, they don't bode well for the future of our planet with global warming. The discovery of the bacteria is a bit concerning. Hopefully, it is good bacteria seeing that it is so robust and resistant to the effects of salt, cold, and sunshine.
DeleteI know you're talking about spirituality, but she's right about regular magic, too. My hubby & I are both performers, and physics plays a large role in many illusions.
ReplyDeleteThose paths don't have to be mutually exclusive. It's sad that they were for her. Unfortunately, organized religion often makes that an either or journey.
ReplyDeleteWhat is on the water in that poster? They aren't ice crystals, are they?
I've been reading your posts since 2008 but never commented. This post is true, wise, and full of love and understanding. You're above all other great qualities, an awesome parent. Wishing you and your loved ones great health and prosperity for the New Year and the years to come.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, and well-stated. Thanks, "Anonymous."
DeleteIts that last little paragraph that really got me, as well.
Thanks, Gryphen.
I do believe that 2013 starts a whole new era for humanity and our culture & paradigms,
- at least we can hope to collectively become more enlightened.
Happy Holidays (((hugs))
V
Congratulations on getting your daughter back. The good news is that your story is being repeated many thousands of times in the world of fundamentalist religionists. Studies show that over half of the kids of Christian fundamentalists reject their parents' beliefs.
ReplyDeleteIt almost seems that all the indoctrination that your ex-wife tried to put your daughter through not only didn't work, but perhaps actually backfired -- the extreme need of your ex to "program" your daughter probably actually helped her to wake up. Kids are somehow instinctively aware of when they're being used as a vehicle to express their parents' fears and they seem to have a survival circuit that helps them to be OK most of the time...
Congratulations to you for staying above the fray and loving your daughter no matter what, and for avoiding the temptation to do battle with your ex. I'm sure that your actions stood in stark contrast to hers, and helped hasten your daughter's awakening. Not many parents have the wisdom to do that.
PS: the picture is really cool.
Thanks for doing this post. You did the right thing and put your daughter's best interest before your own. I know waiting wasn't easy, but letting her use her own free will makes her choice more meaningful for her.
ReplyDeleteIt's called "Unconditional Love" for a reason.
Namaste and
All the best to you and your family in the
New Year!
OT Piers Morgan educates Pastor Warren on the bible's flaws, I have to give him credit for trying to enlighten "the good Pastor"
http://www.politicususa.com/piers-morgan-flawed-bible-amended.html
"Agent of Satan"????? I don't know whether to laugh or cry about that. Them's some sick bastiges!
ReplyDeleteVernD