Oh my, I think I gave the impression that I cleared it all out of her stuff and plan on redecorating it from top to bottom. That's not the case at all. All of her stuff is still in there, her pillows, some stuffed animals, her artwork, her wall hangings, her music and movie library, her tv, stereo - everything really. The room has her STAMP on it. All I did was clear away the clutter and put some things in bins. I only boxed up her summer things, all of her winter stuff is still hanging on the hooks and in her closet.
I did the same thing when easy child went off to college. It is still easy child's room, just cleared and neat. When easy child comes home, she usually just rummages through the bins to get some piece of clothing or old CD or something, but she doesn't mind at all. In fact, she loves that everything was packed away for her. And when we have company, I hardly have to do anything to get the room ready for them.
I am not ready to 'move on' from difficult child at all. I'm still heartbroken that she's going through this, as are H and I. But I still firmly believe that difficult child needs a wake up call and this is one small way in doing so. I should also add that we're on good terms. We talk to one another and we tell each other we love one another, as we do, but she is in a dangerous place and I am tired. I don't think there is anything mean being done or anything being done out of resentment. It's all part of a growing process for difficult child (and me).
Anyway, it's still her room and she knows that it's there for her when she's ready.
