Update about Emma

So it has been a few days and there has been much thought and prayer on her behalf. Friends have given me such great advice and I do feel better about my daughter. I am not convinced that this is over or even going to be an easy road for the next couple of months but in writing a response to an email from a concerned friend I did come to a realization. Here is what I wrote in part of my response.

I realize some of her personality is on the submissive side. At Karate the other day I watched her get her butt kicked (they were wearing pads) by a kid who was totally smaller than her. I was frustrated because she wouldn’t return the kicks and fight back. All she did was protect herself. All weekend long I have thought about that. I think it is the same way in school. She is a pleaser, much like her mother, and doesn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings so she gets walked on. I also realized she doesn’t have siblings yet to fight for my attention. She’s never had to be a fighter until now. I wonder if anxiety isn’t such a bad thing if it is handled properly. I wonder if Emma is in the middle of a life lesson. As a mother I’m sure you’ll agree that the immediate reaction is to protect. Since I have been forced to have time with this problem, it has made me do a ton of pondering and questioning and really watching of behaviors.

It wasn't until I wrote this email that I was able to sort out my thoughts. I am and will still be concerned about my child, however, now I feel like there are things I can do to help her learn this lesson. Thanks to all of you who have given helpful idea's, who have patiently listened to me mitch and bone and worry and fret, and who have been there to lift me up.