Making my own good karma!!

[Silent Chrleader]

Thank you, Thinking, for your input. My S is a good kid with a really good heart, but he takes after his Dad in that he just seems to think he knows everything! The time S spent drinking and smoking with H during the "buddy" phase (as H was first going through his second adolescence) S really liked that in many ways, until H stepped over the line and has now alienated S. I know that even though S says he doesn't care what H says or thinks, that's not true. I know that underneath S is really confused and trying to find his way and have some real issues with self esteem. He is failing in school, and now has plans to go to the "alternative" school to finish up his senior year. H just wants to kick his behind out the door if he doesn't shape up. And H refuses to give any credence to the idea that some of the problem could be HIM!

Our C spent 33 years as a couselor for the Department of Corrections, so he is VERY informed on issues like drugs and gangs. He is big on "if it's illegal, it's WRONG!" Period! He has been a big help to S and S really respects him I think, and I know S opens up to C, because C really tries to steer us in where we need to focus (without breaking S confidentiality).

We live in small city, and gangs have been gaining some presence here. S has talked to me about it, and he has always liked rap music and such. He's also always struggled with applying himself in school (he has ADD). But, he's always had lots of friends calling and we never had any indications of being involved with stuff like this, up to the last several months......and again, of cours it couldn't have anything to do with our sitch at home!!!............yea, right.