I love the internet. It’s a kittentastic parade of memes, catchphrases, and Urban Dictionary-isms. I would hardly know how to talk to anyone between 11 and 29 if it weren’t for the internet. In fact, it is the internet that reminded me of today’s title phrase, “All up in my grill.”

All up in my grill = Someone who is “in your face”. Being excessively annoying or bothersome.

I think that defines parent (from a teenager’s perspective, anyway), don’t you?

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I hope none of you ever have to have a conversation with your kids like the ones I had this week.

To Jessica, 28, via text: I was admitted to hospital last night from ER. I have a mass in abdomen that looks like enlarged lymph node. Having biopsy and further CT scans in the next couple days. Should know more soon.

To Nathaniel, 16, who emailed me about flying out to visit me this week: I am in the hospital having tests and then later, The cancer has metastacized, I’ll be in treatment, I don’t know what’s next.

To Serena, 12, on Skype: The cancer I had is back. It’s Stage 4. That’s really, really bad. The medical community doesn’t give much hope and doesn’t know how to treat this very well. I will be doing all I can.

To Eric, 8, who has Down syndrome: I love you, sweet boy!

I believe our children should face the tough stuff with us. Families go through hard times together. I wished I had known as a teenager that my parents were rapidly losing money in their multi-level marketing endeavor and had three mortgages before the pressure caused them to divorce and suddenly I had to request financial aid for college. I could have made different choices. I could have supported them. At the very least, I would have known. Knowing makes a difference.

Do you tell your kids the tough stuff?