How do you comfort and counsel someone who is going through their first break up?
What wise words can you share?
What hope can you deliver?
How can you take the pain away?
My daughter laid down on the floor in my office, her head resting on an overstuffed pillow she pulled out from a pile. She told me it was over and began to cry.
All I could do was lay down with her and hug her, gently rubbing her back in small circles like I did when she was a baby.
The tears fell and the words started pouring from her mouth. I just let her talk as I rubbed her back.
Soon, the words stopped.
Her breathing slowed.
The sniffles became fewer.
The swirl of my fingers on her back helping her find her peace.
I have three daughters and have been through this too many times. You did what you should do, be there. Your presence is a comfort and she'll always know that no matter what happens, you will be there to comfort her.
ReplyDeleteI have three daughters and have been through this too many times. You did what you should do, be there. Your presence is a comfort and she'll always know that no matter what happens, you will be there to comfort her.
ReplyDeleteoh, so hard! I haven't had this experience with my own kids yet--although daughter-the-eldest becomes a teen this summer, so it is only just around the corner. I do, however, deal with a LOT of this with my "other" children. Never easy. I think remembering that no matter how much we know they will be okay from other side of 30, at 15 this is HUGELY important to them in that moment. Good job in handling a hard situation!
ReplyDeleteOh, almost as hard to observe as it is/was to be a part of. I hoped that my sons would have their first heartbreak while still living at home, but it did not happen that way. You did all you could to help her.
ReplyDeleteOh, almost as hard to observe as it is/was to be a part of. I hoped that my sons would have their first heartbreak while still living at home, but it did not happen that way. You did all you could to help her.
ReplyDeleteI liked that you just got down beside her & rubbed her back, Jennifer. She knew you were there to 'catch her'. What a terrible time for the teens. Hugs to her & to you who feels the hurt too.
ReplyDeleteI've been there with my kids - both my own and the ones I've taught - sometimes there are no words to ease the pain, right?!
ReplyDeleteI've been there with my kids - both my own and the ones I've taught - sometimes there are no words to ease the pain, right?!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you said (or didn't say as the case may be) the exact right thing. I remember my first heartbreak. It's so hard. She's lucky to have you to confide in. I love the way you described this precious moment, too. Beautiful, yet sad.
ReplyDeleteReading this brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteYou are right there beside her.