"I hate you...I wish you would die in a plane crash. If I had a knife or a gun, I'd kill you right now."

I'm tired of hearing it. It hurts every time. Especially when said (or yelled) in front of others. But don't worry about me, I've constructed a temporary emotional wall that protects me from dragon fire.

My shield is simple. I tell myself this...

"She doesn't mean it. I'm a good person."

These 8 words are powerful. I use them to repair my self esteem instead of firing back with equally harsh words.

The good news is that Kaytee has begun her walk with the Lord. I hear God telling me to be patient. Kaytee has only just begun and has issues to work out. I know God is helping her and that in time, she will be fine. In the meantime, my job is to love her and keep her safe (no matter how much she hates me for it). That's just what parents do.

I will stay the course. The path each parent strives to walk when dealing with their teenager. It's a tight rope, for sure. I pray that I will not grow weary. I know that God will give me strength.