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[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/12/01 3:53:52 AM Pacific Standard Time,

writes:

 

<< gemsofthought.tripod.com >>

Thanks to those who replied to my post. I have noticed with the chaos that

teens try to bring into my home, that I often get knocked off of center. I

have a difficult time not being in my head constantly trying to solve the

problem of the moment. It did my soul good to read the website,

gemsofthought. While it is important to be there for kids; it is as

important to nurture ones self. I need to connect with something spiritual

and I had forgotten the peace that this can bring.

My almost 18 y/o son moved out. It was one of the choices that we gave him

after finding evidence of drug paraphenelia. My household is so much better

off. My daughter seems to be happier and I am more relaxed. After spending

two hours scrubbing his bathroom, I felt like I had removed a center of

negativity from the house. We went to dinner and talk regularly, he is

content as well. I wish that we could have done this ages ago.

Our society seems to force things on us that just are not a good fit. I feel

that I can not share the good feelings I have about this with most people.

They would not understand. They see a high school drop out, who parties some

on the weekend. I see a boy who couldn't stand school and got his GED... who

needed independence to make his own choices and moved out... who works a

difficult job and tries to enjoy life. I am proud of him. I love him. I

have hope for his future. I accept his path. Family and friends do not

share this view and judge him and me as failures. Each time I took advise

from them or " professionals " it was not helpful but instead set us up for

power struggles, pain and failure, consuming my time and energy. Now, I

distance myself from " them " and need to find others to replace the space that

these relationships held in my life.