"OPEN"

I pride myself in always having a very 'open' and conversational relationship with both Sian and Jake.
Sian, in particular, has always felt that she could talk to me about anything and I believe she still does.
Sometimes though, in those early teen years, I often felt proud and a little nervous at the same time, as she loudly regaled us with stories of her first kiss and other such landmark events in all their gory detail!!
This openness wasn't just reserved for me!! Her primary school teachers (my colleagues) still have a little giggle now and then about her 'open' temperament. As they say, you always knew where you stood with Sian!! You still do!
I think it is a great trait...especially now that she has learned to control it and use it to advantage!! No-one will ever walk all over my girl!!
Although Jake went through that adolescent boy "Neanderthal" grunt stage from about the age of 15 through to 17, he became quite open with both John and I in his latter years. Again, I feel proud that he felt able to confide in us and speak of the things which were troubling him, or of which he himself was proud. This openness has definitely helped our healing process as we are able to state, without reservation, that Jake enjoyed his life...he often spoke about his feelings and his love of many aspects of his world. It eases the pain of losing one so close!