The Prodigal Daughter Returns
So Jeff calls me as he’s leaving work last night and says
“Guess who I talked to?”
I don’t have any idea, it’s been a long day and I just want him to get to the point. *sigh* He continues the guessing game
“We haven’t talked to her in a few months”
Long silence, I still have no idea.
“She used to live with us….”
Oh……..oh………oh no. Ashleigh.
Ashleigh is my stepdaughter, she’s 20 years old and she has a very bad habit of wrecking her life and everyone else’s in her path and then disappearing for months at a time until she needs something again. Last time it cost us almost $1000. Jeff’s next statement
“She’s been in jail.”
Oh dear God. Apparently she got picked up for some outstanding warrants she had and spent a few months in the women’s correctional facility. The knot in my stomach is growing - for good reason.
“She’s pregnant.” This is her second pregnancy and she’s 20 years old. The first child she gave up for adoption.
“And she’s getting married” Stop it Jeff, you’re killing me here.
“Oh my God” is all I can say over and over. She’s been out to San Diego, her car died in Oklahoma and she and her then boyfriend hitchhiked their way back here and managed to lose their dog along the way. Then she went to jail, then she started dating this guy she used to date a year or two ago that we’ve never even heard of and now she’s pregnant with his child and getting married. You know how there are some people that you call a “drama queen”? Well that is Ashleigh all the time. Nothing is ever small with her - it has to be as big and shocking as ever.
“She called me to apologize and because she says her fiancé told her she had to face what she did to us.” The aforementioned money. Ashleigh has never apologized for a thing in her life because firstly, none of it is ever her fault and secondly, she feels entitled to whatever she wants regardless of the cost to anyone. So this is different.
Jeff tells me she is calling the house around 7:30 to talk with us more. And she does - and she sounds happy. And she tells me she’s been going to church every Sunday as her fiancé “makes” her. Well hallelujah cause she sure could use some religion. But she sounds happy.
Ashleigh has gone through life resentful because her mom left her with Jeff when she was an infant and has never been a consistent fixture in her life. I have been with Jeff for almost 13 years so the better part of her life. We didn’t do great with her, obviously, but we did the best we could and it was never good enough.
The saddest part for me is that underneath all the crap she’s a really great kid. And it infuriates me the way she’s been because it’s such a waste. A waste that sadly she hasn’t seen. She’s coming to the house tonight to talk about things and see her siblings because apparently the fiancé told her that it was important for her to reconnect with her family. She also isn’t working right now as he is a successful contractor and is taking care of her. Quite a change from the last guy that lazed around a claimed disability and spent all their money while she worked 2 jobs and stole just to support his sorry ass.
Jeff’s excited, I’m apprehensive. I feel like I’m just sitting around waiting for the other shoe to drop, know what I mean. Should be interesting.
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By Kate, January 16, 2004 @ 7:06 pm
Wow!! That sounds like a roller coaster ride for you. God Bless you and your family through all of this with your step daughter. But, sounds to me like she is on the right path. Fingers crossed and prayers are sent your way.
By Michele, January 16, 2004 @ 8:28 pm
Wow. I can understand you feeling apprhensive for, I know I would be. Its hard to imagine that anyone who has gone so wrong can ever really change. But I hope you can give her the benefit of the doubt. Sometimes all it takes is a stronge postive influence and a lot of faith from other people to turn a life around. Keep us posted, I hope it all works out!
By Michele, January 16, 2004 @ 8:29 pm
Geez, I can never leave a comment without at least one mistake LOL
That should say I can understand you feeling apprehensive for sure
LOL
By Autumn, January 18, 2004 @ 8:24 am
So your stepdaughter is out here by me?? Getting married eh> WOW!
A baby and marriage at 20 and in San Diego….OUCH that is a plate full and a half!! I hope all works out for her
Have a great weekend!!
By
Cathy, January 20, 2004 @ 2:39 am
Wow! I am sorry about your step daughter. I hope everything goes great for her now though, sounds like she’s doing great.
Hugs,
By Aretha, January 20, 2004 @ 5:21 am
hi hon,
mercy me sounds like things have been really wild there! i hope everything works out with ashleigh this time hon!
sending lotsa huggs