You never know which age-level is going to show up on any given day.
So funny and so true. Thanks, Brig, and for this too:
Just remain a steady anchor of support and love, who expects to be treated politely and respectfully.
It's best for me not to turn to her for empathy--as you said, Plucky. And over time, maybe she'll grow some.
Stormy, how did you know one of her tattoos was of an eagle? Actually, that one silenced me, and properly so. We were out to lunch when she was 19, she said, got something to show you, I think ohh-nooo, then she pulls up her sleeve and on the underside of her upper arm is a big fat eagle with two roses and a banner in his talons, and the banner says, Father. She looked at me and said, I miss him, and now I can hug him, and pressed her arm to her side. It broke my heart. So I don't dislike that one at all...how could I? Then later, on the other arm, upper side, she has a, ahem, nipple-flashing naked woman with a dragon, and a blank banner is in there somewhere. She said, mom, that banner is for the name of your novel when you finish it. So two of her tattoos are all about love for her parents.
I believe the skulls on her behind and the naked lady climbing out of a flaming skull on her SHIN (dumb! dumb! she wore one keesock all summer trying to convince her Grandma it's a fad!)...are about something else. Sigggh. But the large mandala of animal paws is about loving animals. I think she's done. I know a while back I said, and she knew I was dead serious, I wil go with you to a tattoo parlor right now and get one with you, if you'll promise to make it your last one. As far as I know, she hasn't added any since.
In fact, to show respect for her choices, and make it up to her that I once shamed her about them...I think maybe someday when we're together I will ask her to take me to one of those places, and get a little sunflower put somewhere the sun don't shine...
Mud, when the pond is almost dried up I challenge you to mud wrestle while you holler, I'm sorry, Al, I'm sorry!

I'm not working because this is more...just more. Better get back at it.
Hops