Greetings! I haven't popped in here in a long time. For those who don't know me, I was the site originator another lifetime ago.
Me... I have a new challenge of hopefully surviving Stage 4 throat cancer. Every day is a blessing and a challenge.
difficult child. I never, in my wildest dreams thought I'd be writing this, but I think it's important for frustrated parents to hear. It took 29 years, 6 felony convictions, years in prison, severe heroine addiction, armed robbery, etc., for difficult child to finally get it.
He moved to my state, Wisconsin, 2 1/2 years ago stating he wanted to change. We did not open our home or hearts to him. Call it been there, done that. He came with a federal warrant for trafficking across state lines and was the top dog of a statewide sting 6 months later. He spent 6 months in Wisconsin prison and was released early for good behavior.
For the last two years I've watched him slowly struggle from ground up and face all the consequences his past afforded him. It was very heartbreaking to watch him struggle so badly. In that two years he has held a job, gone back to college, is like the pope of AA, and is living in a nice apartment by himself. Most important, though, is he's slowly earned the trust and love of the family. He is constantly reevaluating his past and has taken all ownership of everything he did. We have had many discussions about life. I constantly tell him how proud I am of him, but it's more important that he's proud of himself.
He's become my default caretaker helping me when I'm too tired or driving me to endless doctors appointments. I looked at him the other day and said...who'd have thunk???
So, hang tight guys. Protect yourself, do the best you can, but always be ready for a real change. It can happen.
Love you all!!
Abbey
