[Bill of Rights]

When I first read your OP, Rachel, I got about half a sentence in and thought "Gunfacts.info", only to see Melensdad posted it.

I read Jennybird's posts to you and was nodding. In fact, I didn't see a bad post on here to this point (18 posts at this writing, not counting mine)

I can "hear" the frustration in your post as you type it, mostly because my own mother's question when I mentioned carrying one day on the phone to her was, "Why do you need a gun?", asked in a very disapproving tone. This question was often repeated. It is no longer, though her opinion has not changed.

What it comes down to is the following exchange, modified as you see fit based on her lead-in comment:

Mom: "I don't feel you should have a gun. They're just too dangerous."

You: "I'm sorry you feel that way, Mom."

Note that you've identified she feels that way and you do not. As you said, you're a big girl. You can dress yourself and if in the process of doing so, you clip an IWB holster onto your belt and slide a sidearm into it, that's not her decision, it is yours.

Parents sometimes have a tough time letting go of their mental pictures of us...especially of their youngest kids, I think.

I applaud you for doing your research and taking the time to formulate a good, valid decision.

Blessings,
Bill