I'm picking up my daughters from college for Christmas break next week. I'll meet my youngest's boyfriend for the first time. I told her I'd take us all to lunch. She suggested I wear my new black maxi dress because I look "cute" in it.

I had such a wave of emotions after I hung up the phone. I'm so happy to share her joy, and thankful she wants me to meet her boyfriend. It's the first serious fella since her senior year in high school. It also made me think of all the years I was the frumpy mom on the sidelines, hiding from the world, avoiding social events. It had an effect on my kids. I didn't realize how much until my life changed 180 degrees and I became a part of the world.

She told me she's proud of me. We've been through a stressful year and a half after moving out of our house when I filed for divorce due to emotional abuse. Through it all, my girls are amazing and strong.

My LapBand surgery and 100-pound weight loss not only helped me reclaim my life, but improved theirs as well. They now have a mom who can hold her head up high, can walk into any room and feel equal to the people there, and will never settle for less than respectful treatment again. I'm the good example I've always wanted to be.

And their mom is "cute" to boot.

JustWatchMe...you wear that dress! ...Accessorize yourself to the 9's...splurge on a new haircut beforehand...complete with getting your nails done ----and ENJOY yourself!

Sounds like you have definitely EARNED it!

So swee! You are going to have a very special holiday season. Cute is nice; I get that. But listen up, you are BEAUTIFUL inside and out. I haven't met you but consider you to be a cyber-friend. You are smart, sexy, hot and gorgeous. Yes, and cute. For the daughter's boyfriend. So sweet!

And I know what you mean because my kid is in college, too, and we are attending lots of perfmances. I rock it when we go hear him play and I feel so good in my fun clothes knowing he is thinking, "yeah, that's my Mom."

Have fun!

Not only are you cute, you've shown your daughters not to put up with abuse, not to allow themselves to be devalued, and to take care of their own destinies and their own health. Well done, Mom. Rock that dress and be proud!

Very sweet and wear your dress proudly

Congratulations on your journey. Sounds like you have a great relationship with your kids.

Sooo coool!

Congratulations.

What a positive, delightful post . I'm sure you'll wear that dress with confidence!

Love it!

Good way to show your daughter how to live life after an emotionaly terbulatly past good for you

@@JustWatchMe, talk about NSV's, you just took the category to a new level. Your note is such a great pleasure to read.

I want a picture or two...

@@JustWatchMe

What a cracker of a story...

Thank you for allowing us to enjoy it with you..

And congrats on being cute and stuff....

yes a picture would be great. One of the best things for me was when my teenage granddaughters said I was cute. I now enjoy shopping with them and can keep up with them in the mall. I could not do that for many years. Have a great time and enjoy your girl and her fella.

Great story Apparently you've raised sweet girls with your cute self! Let's see how that dress looks!

NSV!!! no doubt, hands down that one is awesome!