My daughter, Regan- contributed by Leslie

I became me with exceptional love and support from the opposite gender.  Starting with Dad.  I was his only daughter. My life was secure. Because of his confidence in me I could and would handle all that my young life would throw my way. Because of Dad's love, my next most important relationship was with my brother. He continues to be my "bestie". We laugh, we run, we hike, we cry, we exchange parenting strategies, we bitch about Mom, and we solve the problems of the world together. But, in spite of all this love, I have always craved a sister--another girl to share my life with. 

While raising a young family I tried multiple times to find this sought out relationship with a multitude of other women--college roommates, co-workers, sister-in-laws, neighborhood friends, even Mom.  Nothing stuck--I am lame with other women. Then, a crisis hit. I turned to well intended women in my life. They helped tremendously. But, at the end of the day, when the creepy-crawlies came out in full force, I found myself seeking protection in my teenage daughter's room.  Laying on her bed, listening to teenage girly music, my heart found its long lost sister. She is what I had craved for my whole life. What I used to daydream about came true--we can do all those silly girl things--share clothes, eat ice-cream out of the container, talk boys, talk books, cry at sad movies (although we usually are laughing at those crying), and sit on the couch for hours talking about nothing. 

We have been accused of shutting the rest of the world out when we are together--it's the two of us and then the rest. We have our own language, spoken or quiet. We share thoughts without voicing them.  We can also sit silent and just be. I can be me. And she loves me. That is all anyone (at least this one) needs.