[godfrey]

Mel stated her problem and I think everyone of us in this caring web-community is eager to give her kind support even if is sometimes unpalitable. Remember love is expressed in many ways.

Many here have indicated by their own experience in life that hard work is the only way to go. There is only so much parental feeding that can take place - in the end you have to learn to feed yourself. The fledgling in the nest has to learn to fly - in the end the parent birds abandons it as the only way to encourage it to fly.

Strong emotions can be a great motivation to action and a change in beliefs. Shame (in your case by a 6-year old) could be the motivation you need. It gives a shock to your system that says WAKE UP.

On many occassions I have been overcome by something that has been said to me, often but not always by a stranger, that has challenged some of my most basic beliefs. They weren't aware that what they said was so profound. But it is a wake-up call and can lead to a growth in personality if you are ready to take up the challenge to change.

The prevalent youth reaction these days is "whatever" meaning "I cannot face that", "I am not interested". The challenge to take part in the world is dismissed as irrelevant. Everything in this world is relevant because this world, if you belief in fate, is organised for your benefit whether it be good or bad. All the doors are waiting to be opened by you and you should be running through them shouting "wow, isn't this fantastic, I never knew this existed, I never knew I could do this, I never thought I could survive that".