I was reminded what it is like to be a teenager today. And I have to say that I don't miss it a bit. It is so full of raw, uncontrolled emotion, and there are not yet any real experiences to guide you. Everything feels too real, too final, too hard to manage.
My daughter broke up with her boyfriend of 6 months, and while that isn't my story to tell, I can tell you it was horrible to watch her struggle with the decision to end it.
We drove home together, talking through her decision - me, trying not to sound all-knowing - her, trying not to sound wounded. And I wanted to fix it - to somehow let her know that everything would be all right. But I couldn't fix anything. Nothing was broken. It was just life...happening.