To Alex's mom,
I am so sorry for all you are going thru, first the hurt with your son, then the hurt from others around you. At least it sounds like your family is supportive from the post from Alex's aunt. It is impossible for others that haven't lived thru what you and other parents are living thru to know the depths of the pain a rebellious child can cause. These wounds won't heal quickly for you, your husband or your other children. And, just to forwarn you, just when you think you are healing, either someone Alex knows, who thinks they are being helplful and doing what is in his best interests, or Alex himself, will pick the scab off that wound and you will be injured again. Love your son, but don't neglect the rest of your family. Your husband and other kids need you. At times you will feel as if they are doing fine and you are the only one still hurting, but even young children hide their pain in order to try and protect their mom. Draw support only from those you can trust. There are those like this girlfriend's mom that think they know best and will try to befriend you only to yank the rug out from under you later. Time will eventually win out. Either your son will allow himself to get help and will come around to be a part of the family, or he will prove himself to be as self destructive as you know he is. Make yourself a safe haven at home. Pull your family together in prayer and don't forget to pray for those that are persecuting you. I know you love your son and are doing what you believe is best for him. I hope he will one day realize this as well. But, if he doesn't, that is okay too. You know and your other children know the depths of the love it took to seek help. It would have been a lot easier to just cut him loose. At some point, you will have to do that anyway. You have six months. Find a support group that you can call at anytime to remind you of who you really are and why you are doing what you are doing. You will need this when the people on this board and others like them throw insults and slander at you. Good luck. You and your family are in my prayers.
