I Lied to My Daughter

Who knew that innocently watching a film on a Saturday night would make me stop to catch my breath in a very deep heart-wrenching way.

It seemed innocent enough.  Saturday night.  Home.  Eyeing my crochet project and wondering what show or movie to play in the background.

I settled on a movie called True Spirit on Netflix.  An inspired-by-real-life drama.  Very young Australian girl chooses to circumnavigate the world alone on a sailboat.  Well let's see what this is about. I immediately scoffed at those parents and the insanity of adults allowing a 16 year old to take on such an adventure.  

As my daughter, 24, went through the room, I said, "I would never let you do anything so insane especially at 16.  Who would let their child do anything remotely close to this."

There I sat, crocheting away and listening to the story line.  I must admit I looked up quite often.  The cinematography was amazing.  No spoilers here.

At the big climax of the movie, it struck me.  I lied to my daughter.  I was lying to myself as well.

I was so overcome by emotion.  It rocked me to my core.  I suddenly could feel all the pain and anguish from just 7 years ago.

I had done what those parents had done.  I too found myself in the position of not standing in my daughter's way when she had to make a life changing and life threatening decision.

At 17 years of age, my daughter's seizures had gotten so bad that the doctor's recommended brain surgery.  My daughter decided she wanted to do it. After high school graduation and before she left for university, she would have brain surgery.

I don't think I fully grasped the enormity of that decision at the time.  Which was probably a good thing.  My husband and I agreed to let her make a decision that only she could make for herself.  Brain surgery is NOT like having your appendix out.  Not anywhere close.  Not even on the same planet.

Her recovery took a couple of years and we are able to say that it was a total success.

After the movie and the emotions started to subside, I told my daughter I had lied.  I, too, had let her make a decision that could have had catastrophic results.  She seemed puzzled.  Your brain surgery.  She dismissed it as not anything.  I explained that it was a huge decision she made for herself and that movie is peanuts in comparison.  Funny, she shared that she didn't know there was any other option.  

We could have said no.

God was with us ever step and held each of us in the palm of his hand.  Maybe that adventure could be a book. Maybe. lol

Anyway, I thought you might like to know.

Gwen Peterson

Bio:

Gwen Peterson is the creator of Insights and Illuminations and conscious channel. She is a metaphysical teacher, author and spiritual Mentor to those searching for answers and guidance into spirituality, deeper meaning in their lives and perhaps building a dialogue with their Soul. Her programs support all levels of awareness of spirituality. Visit her website and create your personal journey at InsightsandIlluminations.com

Categories: Positive mindset