debbie–I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve planted a kiss on my kids’ foreheads while they were sleeping. And even when they’re in that stage where hugs aren’t so cool with them you can almost always get away with a back rub or back scratch. I hope my youngest (now nine and still huggable–thank goodness!) will still ask me to be sure and get “the corners” (his shoulders) when he’s eighteen.

(Can I still give him a kiss on the forehead after he’s gone to sleep when he’s a teenager. That’s all I need to know to get through it!).

So, here is a smaller attempt to tell you that I loved this post. I love how you think and write about teens. I learn from you each time.

I don’t like how hard things get raising teens. And I know I don’t have it as hard as some who have more teens in their home. But it IS hard. I struggle everyday hoping I am doing/saying all the right things and that some of it sticks.

You’re great!

My point is that he – despite his millions of dollars, prestigious degrees, and numerous topical seminars – doesn’t get it at all, and you get it without any of that*. And that’s what makes you great for managing young adults where you do.

* Except maybe the millions of dollars thing… perhaps you were holding out on us!

Michelle L.–You’re very kind. That’s one of the things that is so amazing–that with all that’s going on in their lives and in their heads they can be thoughtful and they really do care even when they don’t show it.

Thankful–I so appreciate your comment. I too recall how much it meant for me to have people believe in me when I didn’t believe in myself or I couldn’t see the way my my parents believed in me. I add my prayers to yours for all of our sons and daughters.

Stacie–Me too.

Wendy–I don’t know why, but I have a special affinity for the troubled ones. I understand your fear–I have the same fears and I’ve been at this for awhile. I’m sure you’ll do just fine. When the words come, I would love to hear the rest of your thoughts.

Justine–That’s how I feel, too–it gets more interesting and more amazing all the time. I’m afraid about how it will be when they leave me, but my empty-nest friends assure me that’s OK too somehow.

Geo–You are an example to me in this regard. There is a reason the YW love you so.

Tiffany–Thank you, too. I won’t pretend I have the kids figured out, but I sure am enjoying the ride.

Sue–I wish you the best–you’ll do fine. And you’ll still be cool even if your kid pretends he or she doesn’t see it. I have no doubt. (But I need to add a disclaimer here: I have no illusions about being cool. Somehow for most kids it doesn’t seem to matter. I think what really speaks to kids is when people are genuine. They’re so much more mature than some adults in that way.)

Tonya–I guess we’re even then because every time you bear your testimony you make me cry. And you are so not old and stodgy! All the kids love you guys and I so much appreciate the good influence you and Steve are around my kids–particularly the ones who tell me “Music is my life.” Thank you! And yes, I think all those parts of us–the little girl, the awkward teenager, etc.–stay with us no matter how old we are.

Amanda–I believe that is the effect true charity–the pure love of Christ–can have on people. I still feel blessed by people who think better of me than I probably deserve–they make me believe I can be better.

Rynell–You summed it up perfectly–those who love us in spite of us. I need that just as much now as I did then!

Jeans–It is a bit crazy, isn’t it? But crazy good and crazy fun and really never a dull moment.