This is so beautifully said! I love this! And I love to punching bag idea. I used to tell my little to go punch a pillow or scream into a plush bear. When people tell their kids 'don't cry' or 'quit crying' it aches a nerve in me! I've always been one to help my chiled express what they are feeling, honor it, and help them find ways to move passed it in a healthy way. We too have delt with the lack of father in my now 8 yr olds life and she tried...oh does she try. Calling, leaving messages, sending letters in the post, crafts, etc. She gets very meager response if any at all. It aches my heart watching her hurt from it, and at times I want her to be angry because often she holds it in and acts like 'whatever' but I know it hurts her deeply. Any suggestions on working through that? As in, not holding her emotions in? I feel I've done a decent job offering a safe place to express yet somehow it's in her nature to just hold it in. It would be much appreciated. Anyway, I'm off on a tangent. I love this post. It resonates with me.