Well, I knew this was coming and couldn't wait to see what actually happened and overall, I don't find Whitney going to the gun range and learning how to shoot to be a big deal.  However, the gun at the club was an obvious 'no-no' and in addition, I can't have guns in my house as long as I have minor children around.  Accidents happen and I can't live with knowing something like a gun accident that takes the life of a child could have been totally avoided.  With that said, once my husband and I are off on our own accord, I will be doing the same and learning how to shoot and will purchase my own gun.  

I did take away Whitney's gun for the sole reason that she lives with us and it can't be in my house at this time.  Period.  For those of you who have said that I am not a good parent, let this be a window of opportunity for you to see that I am a responsible parent when it comes to minors.  Whitney, on the other hand, is 23 years old and I admit that we are closer to sisters and more like best friends.  With that said, if I tried to continue to be the strict parent that I was when she was a minor, she would most likely be living across country and I don't want that.  When she is away from me, she tends to make the wrong decisions. 

It is difficult to 'parent' a rebellious 23 year old as if they were a minor under your control.  You can only offer them guidance and hope that they take it and pray that they don't grow apart from you.  Please note, I'm doing the very best that I can given our current situation.  I am taking a lot of criticism for 'being a bad parent' to her but in the end, she is a very strong headed adult.  She lives by the motto that if you tell me no, I'm going big with it.  I may not agree with some of her decisions that she has made thus far but that's part of growing up and coming into your own. I've made bad decisions as well - we all have.  Not everybody on this planet is the same.  I enjoy the variability of personalities and looks among society and think it is deplorable when people judge others for their appearances or from past decisions that they have made that haven't hurt anybody.  

Whitney is a sweetheart, a smart lady, and one of the most kind-hearted people I have ever known in my life...but a serious rebel to the core.  I admire her for that.