I have three daughters (and a son). Valerie, the oldest, is now "home" (with her daughter), the reason being to help celebrate my father's 90th. I just have to brag on her--that's a parent's right.

Being the first child, she's the responsible one (takes after her daddy). She could read when she was 4, read "Gone With The Wind" at 8, ranked 2nd in her graduating class (should have been #1, but that's another story), played piano and French horn, was admitted into Optometry school in her 4th year at Ind. U. (almost unheard of), and became an optometrist--her lifelong ambition.

In the meantime, she married her high school sweetheart, and has two children (she's now 34).
After one year of being a hometown optometrist, she and her husband decided they wanted to move to Tegucigalpa Honduras, where they had spent some time while on college semester break, treating the "needy" (for a lack of a better word). They both became ultra religious (he first-she followed), and felt the pull to do more. So they packed their belongings and moved to Honduras to "serve the Lord". They've been there 8 years.

When people ask me what they're doing down there, I usually respond with "missionary medical work". My son-in-law is the chief fund raiser for a medical clinic. Money comes from private donations--US churches and individuals primarily. He also oversees new construction and outreach. Valerie is the practicing optometrist and head honcho (honcho-ette?)of the clinic. Plus, she plays the piano and directs choir in their mission church (Protestant) affiliated with the clinic.

While I don't agree with their "mission", I have to say I'm proud of my daughter's dedication and conviction to follow her heart. She's certainly not going to make it rich. Besides, they have no equity, no health insurance, no earned Social Security credits. Their philosophy is "The Lord will provide".

Admiration aside, I do wish they would return "home" for the reasons just stated. Besides, I love my daughter and miss her and my grandchildren. I guess that makes me the selfish one. She returns to her Honduran home in 3 days. Guess who paid for her trip? It was worth every penny to see her!

Comments:

Hi sol; your daughter sounds like a good person--living her husband's
dream. That "the Lord will provide" line makes me want to barf. My
daughter's husband thinks like that, and my dau. has been brain washed
into thinking like him. I want to shake her."God" isn't gonna drop
riches into their lap.

Apparently she takes after her father. I can see how proud you are of her but, truth be known, she is probably equally proud of her Dad for letting her test her wings. Great post.

The thought of any of my 4 moving far away from me just makes me sad...

Beautifully written blog!

You raised a wonderful girl. Kudos to you!!

comment by elderjane on Apr 1, 2008 7:59 AM ()

All three daughters turned out pretty good, especially considering what they had to go through with their then loony mother (and loony father?). Thanks Jeri. (Have you heard anything from Cat lately?)

reply by solitaire on Apr 3, 2008 7:13 AM ()

comment by frogfenatic on Mar 31, 2008 9:25 PM ()

Well, I would say a public post about the love you have for your daughter is a wonderful tribute. I wish my Dad were as accepting and loving as you are to your daughter. You amaze me more and more with every post I read!

reply by frogfenatic on Apr 1, 2008 10:05 PM ()

Thanks Tanya. I didn't want to sound like I was boasting. I just wanted to recognize her as being very special. My father has never once told me he was proud of me in any way, shape or form. I don't want to be like that.

reply by solitaire on Apr 1, 2008 5:39 AM ()

She sounds like a gem! Life in the Third World, especially in rural areas, can be challenging but you gain so much perspective from living outside the U.S. I left the Third World to come to the US and my parents want me back in Mexico. P.S. I fixed the glitch in my blog...you made me sweat thinking that I was censored. Thanks!

comment by barbiebrains on Mar 31, 2008 6:41 PM ()

Thanks for reading me. Every now and then, I like to toss in something about my family like everybody else--you included--especially if it's something positive. I tried to avoid mentioning that bum of a husband she has, either in a blog or to her face.

reply by solitaire on Apr 1, 2008 5:46 AM ()

I can understand and share in your pride! I, too, would be concerned for the financial wellbeing long term, and often think church-based mission programs do not support their volunteers adequately, but I have to applaud your daughter's generous caring spirit of service. Still, how nice it would be if you could see her and your grandchildren more often.

comment by marta on Mar 31, 2008 10:22 AM ()

Well Martha, seeing her once a year (on the average) is enough, but that's only because of the baggage attached to her--the poor excuse of a husband (and father), and her out-of-control children. I'll stop there. I'm also quite opposed to their making a living from charity, including donations from me. Not being the religious sort, I struggle with acceptance of their way of life.

reply by solitaire on Apr 1, 2008 5:55 AM ()

What a grand, accomplished daughter you have! I want to be her!!!

comment by sunlight on Mar 30, 2008 8:39 PM ()

How nice of you to say that! I'm afraid she's unique and can't be replicated.

reply by solitaire on Mar 31, 2008 6:39 AM ()

Thank You!!!!!
Very lovely sharing your oldest daughter with US, Randy!! When my Oldest soon to be 21 this year, moved to Georgia after HS graduation, it was the only time we haven't lived together, in her entire life. I can only imagine if a man and her life's work would take her to a different country, versus a 5 hour plane ride away??!! WOWOWOW, I'm impressed and you have every right to "brag" about all of her wonderful accomplishments!!! We are so blessed to have daughters in our lives!! The entire 2 weeks I was in Southern California, I was with so much family and it was INCREDIBLE, I miss my three sisters and their families so much, so it always fills me back up, even after all the medical nightmares and stress that, that can bring!!
Be well my friend,
It's the annual Kite Day in Chico at the 20th St. Park, so it's a great day to be outside and perfect for bubble blowing with these cool breeze!!


Barb

comment by darkstar on Mar 30, 2008 1:33 PM ()

I love flying kites! Wish I was there. Thanks for your nice words. I'm glad my three daughters get along with each other so well. Wish my twin sisters did. Hope you're doing well.

reply by solitaire on Mar 31, 2008 6:42 AM ()

comment by looserobes on Mar 30, 2008 8:54 AM ()

Thanks for the confirmation. I try not to worry, but my concerns won't magically disappear. What I can't figure out is how two intelligent people can think (or not think) the way they do. Oh, the stranglehold religion has on humans.

reply by solitaire on Mar 31, 2008 6:48 AM ()