Many, much congrats in order all around. Your ongoing support of your son is to be commended and applauded. Even when you are supported in your efforts, it's gigantically tough to keep on believing that there's light at the end of the tunnel.

I have to say the title of the thread made me feel hopeful. My 18.5 year old continues to struggle with beginning to find his way. I am pretty sure we're making inroads, but the pace is glacial. He just got his GED in Dec. '07 after quitting high school in Oct. '06. I used to think quitting high school was a horrible thing - and then I found out how many ultimately-successful people did just that.

I have confidence that movement forward will happen, but I am impatient that it begin.

And Mick - you are so right. As an educator, I believe my job is to help folks (I teach young and not-so-young) find their own strengths and wisdom. I'm a guide, an encourager, an accomplice, perhaps. I provide information, but the goal is to help them learn how to do 'it' themselves. Of course this, like anything, is a whole lot easier with someone who is not one's own son...

But enough about me :-)

Mazel Tov and keep up the good work, TRUBRIT!

Peace,

JudyO / momnopp