update....

I don't think we ever realize just how hard it is to be a mother. Our hearts are tied up in the efforts and challenges of our children. This last couple of weeks, my heart has been tried again and again. When you have five children, there is always something going on.

I've had almost a week and I haven't been able to get in contact with the 14 yr old. She isn't answering her cell phone, and hasn't been online. I'm here in Canada trying to be calm about it.....maybe her phone is dead, she forgot it at home, etc etc. And then finally, 2 days ago.....she answers. The conversation went well except that I couldn't stop crying.... She's fine. Her voice is completely happy. Her father took her and bought her $200 LE worth of makeup. Brought her to the best malls, Citystars, Ganayna Mall and bought her whatever she wanted. He's given her tons of freedom at home. He gets up and leaves by 10 am....returns by 1 in the morning and picks her up wherever she is.....the club, her friends house, etc etc. What a difference from the old days. Remember the girls weren't allowed to go to friends houses and the club was always a sore point with him. They could only go if I was with them. And even then, not too often. We went twice a week because of swimming .... and that was too much.

So there she is in Egypt....having the freedoms she was never allowed, being spoiled.......happy. Its good for my heart to hear her happy voice........(and yet I also wonder how this works into the ex's plan....the 14 yr old is his bait to get the rest I think)

By the end of the phone call, it went sort of bad. She asked to speak to her little brother and sister....after telling me what a good father her Dad is. (oh yeah, I can just see him sitting right beside her at that point....but she believes it...) I asked if it was her father who wanted to talk to them. She says yes, he's right here. And I became tough and firm. Until your father wants to accept ALL the responsibilities of being a father, I'm not allowing him to enjoy any of the extra's that come with it. When he talks to the kids, he upsets them and says stupid things. So I'm sorry, but NO, he's not talking to them. She tried to argue it with me, and I was FIRM....and told her....this is not your battle, let it go. She became silent and sullen....so I finished the conversation.

Much to say here.....but another time.

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Abdu is having his operation tomorrow morning. Yep, this time for sure. All is order and ready......make dua for him, k? I'll let you all know how it goes....