lovemyson1
Well-Known Member
Hello good people,
I couldn't help but share the last few weeks and my feelings with you all since you've been through so much pain, misery & joy with me.
Three weeks ago, we started to see our son slipping somewhat. His girlfriend said he was hanging with some old friends. We called him and he sounded high. That was when we had to make a serious decision. He was less than a month away from entering boot camp and we sure didn't want him to fall before this opportunity to change his life. We didn't know what to do. If he comes back dirty, he would be in a lot of trouble and of course, be rejected from the Marines. I was ready to wash my hands of him bc I was so disappointed that he would dare touch any substance after all he's been through!! However, my husband said it's only a few weeks before he starts boot camp. My husband was willing to drive him to the mountains and babysit him til he left for boot camp if necessary. Extreme I know. That's my hubby. Well, our son promised he was just partying a little and said he was super serious about the Marine's and doing right. He promised he would be a blessing if we would let him stay with us until boot camp. So, reluctantly, we brought him home before Christmas. He actually was amazing! He gave us his phone, we turned it off, he helped around the house, went to the gym every day, went running daily, showed respect. Completely changed man! It's been about 3 weeks now and he's so focused and dedicated to his future. We've been sitting around under blankets, watching movies, going to the gym, going to church, I've been cooking all his favorite foods.. it's been a treasured time of bonding for us all. I'm so grateful. I told my husband thank you for making the right decision. My son for the first time is excited about his future, even asking about savings plans, education, being a leader in the Marines.. he's really on fire!
With all that being said, I fee so emotional. After almost losing him to drugs and the streets, this is so precious for me. And now, I have to give him to the Military, so I've been a big emotional mess. But happy.
From this experience what I've learned is very important and I'm sharing in hopes that this will help someone: 1. Never give up on your difficult child 2. Do not enable them and 3. (Most Important) Find something for them to get excited about, push them to find a goal. This is where I see the biggest change coming from. He has a goal of being a leader in the Marines and he's already meeting the physical requirements for the END of boot camp! He hasn't asked once to go on the internet or even see any of his old friends, in fact, he hasn't left our side.
So now, I just value this last week with him and pray he is successful in his journey and that God keeps him safe. He leaves Monday, January 16th.
Thank you all for your wisdom, care and support over these past several years; it has been invaluable! I truly pray for each of you to see your difficult children beat the chains of addictions once and for all!!
I couldn't help but share the last few weeks and my feelings with you all since you've been through so much pain, misery & joy with me.
Three weeks ago, we started to see our son slipping somewhat. His girlfriend said he was hanging with some old friends. We called him and he sounded high. That was when we had to make a serious decision. He was less than a month away from entering boot camp and we sure didn't want him to fall before this opportunity to change his life. We didn't know what to do. If he comes back dirty, he would be in a lot of trouble and of course, be rejected from the Marines. I was ready to wash my hands of him bc I was so disappointed that he would dare touch any substance after all he's been through!! However, my husband said it's only a few weeks before he starts boot camp. My husband was willing to drive him to the mountains and babysit him til he left for boot camp if necessary. Extreme I know. That's my hubby. Well, our son promised he was just partying a little and said he was super serious about the Marine's and doing right. He promised he would be a blessing if we would let him stay with us until boot camp. So, reluctantly, we brought him home before Christmas. He actually was amazing! He gave us his phone, we turned it off, he helped around the house, went to the gym every day, went running daily, showed respect. Completely changed man! It's been about 3 weeks now and he's so focused and dedicated to his future. We've been sitting around under blankets, watching movies, going to the gym, going to church, I've been cooking all his favorite foods.. it's been a treasured time of bonding for us all. I'm so grateful. I told my husband thank you for making the right decision. My son for the first time is excited about his future, even asking about savings plans, education, being a leader in the Marines.. he's really on fire!
With all that being said, I fee so emotional. After almost losing him to drugs and the streets, this is so precious for me. And now, I have to give him to the Military, so I've been a big emotional mess. But happy.
From this experience what I've learned is very important and I'm sharing in hopes that this will help someone: 1. Never give up on your difficult child 2. Do not enable them and 3. (Most Important) Find something for them to get excited about, push them to find a goal. This is where I see the biggest change coming from. He has a goal of being a leader in the Marines and he's already meeting the physical requirements for the END of boot camp! He hasn't asked once to go on the internet or even see any of his old friends, in fact, he hasn't left our side.
So now, I just value this last week with him and pray he is successful in his journey and that God keeps him safe. He leaves Monday, January 16th.
Thank you all for your wisdom, care and support over these past several years; it has been invaluable! I truly pray for each of you to see your difficult children beat the chains of addictions once and for all!!
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