Originally Posted by Jeni26

My beautiful, sweet 16 year old daughter and I have just had the loveliest day together. She is probably the one hit hardest by my drinking, not because I was mean to her, but because she is the one who has needed me the most.
She has always been the more challenging of my kids. My son is straightforward and emotionally stable. She is vulnerable, has had to deal with bullying at school and is acutely sensitive. She is a younger version of me and I guess that's why we clash. For me, it's like looking in a mirror.
Today, we've been out shopping for her prom. We have walked arm in arm, giggled like a couple of teenagers, and talked openly for the first time in a long time.
I looked across at her at the table when we were having lunch, and she looked radiant. Her beautiful green eyes were sparkling and seemed full of total happiness. For a moment, I thought I was going to cry. How many Saturdays have I layed on the sofa hungover, not sparing her a thought? How many times have I viewed her as in intrusion on my weekend drinking time? Oh, how this hurts.
As we walked back to the car, she asked me if the 2 of us could spend the evening together watching a DVD. When I said I would love to, she gave me a hug. I thought my heart was going to break. Something so simple gave her so much pleasure. How many years have I wasted? I'm ashamed.
I have so many bridges to build with my family.
How could I not see just how very lucky I am to be blessed with the family I have?
Today is magical. I love her so much. I can't change the past, but am sure as hell going to make the future one that she deserves.
Just wanted to share this xxx