Girls

I don’t think it causes more harm than good. But I do think it causes more harm than you three seem to give it credit for. I think that for you (in this situation and in the one with your friend from home) it was easy to let go cause you didnt "need" them. Then again her mother is (and if she isnt probably should) make sure that julia knows not to depend on you. And its only every other week but kids get attached quickly...maybe even you could remind her at times that you wont always be here. that you will move to miami at some point. not to discourage her but a random comment here and there to prepare her might not hurt?

I disagree with jackies point about being tough and dealing with what you have been dealt. I think that Jackie is a different person from most and is able to internalize all that stuff – whether it is helpful or not I think depends on the person. I clearly am not that kind of person and if I had to just deal with what ive got without having someone to distract me or for me to depend on i dont think i could handle some of the hardships jackie has been through.