Changes

my daughter and i have gone through a lot of changes this year.  especially her.  it has taken a lot of growing up and making good choices for her to make it.  but, she is making it.  her good friend is having to change schools.  granted, she made some poor decisions, but some other things also came into play.  it has been hard for my daughter, but she decided to be supportive and kind to her friend by helping her choose the best new fit and encouraging her as she prepares to head to a new high school.  she plans on still reaching out to her and inviting her to youth group activities.  she knows that her friend is looking for "something" and that she need genuine love.  it has been heartbreaking and heartwarming watching my daughter go through this process.  she has seen some really unkind things happen to this girl.  most of them come from a source of another person my daughter knows.  it hurts her.  the pain shows in her face.  however, she has finally seemed to settle on the fact that some things are out of her control.  she can't help the used to be friend that drinks heavily and gripes and complains about people my daughter loves.  can't help that the girl is two faced and lives a double life.  but she can help her other friend survive.  she can be someone who can be counted on to be kind.  i appreciate her courage.  i appreciate her perspective.  it hasn't come easy.  it has come with a sense of loss.  it has been hard earned.  but the change has grown my daughter into a more mature young woman. i am pleased that she is learning to walk through some hard things.  i am pleased that she knows where to turn.  i ache for her.  some of the losses have been gut wrenching.  some of the betrayals are unbelievable.  yet, she stands.  she walks.  she prays. she persists.  she is becoming a woman of virtue.  the one who betrays can't do anything that harms my daughter ultimately, because my daughter refuses to let it.  sometimes she cries.  but, then she gets up and keeps going.  i am a proud mama.