Where do we go from here Part 2

[1313]

Tim, it sounds like your chances are much better than you originally anticipated, huh? That alone should be a bit of a lift. This isn't all for naught.

Nothing you say is surprising to me - I might be old, but I sure remember my state of mind when I was 16. My parents were divorced, I had a step Father suddenly appear in my life who I resented like hell at first. But more, I felt abandoned by my Mother and really abandoned by my Dad. I was drugged up, and doing some really crazy and dangerous things because I had been left to my own devices.

Unfortunately, that's the age and we both know it. Things happen really fast - and a year or two either age-wise makes all the difference. All you can do is keep letting him know you're there for him. While he might not be availing himself of your help or that of a counselor, rest assured it's not going unnoticed.

Keep reaching out to him, and let him know you're there for him to grab hold of when he decides to. His brother certainly will remind him of that. But you've GOT to make sure that nobody moves you off mark, so that hand isn't there when he finally reaches for it. Sooner or later he's going to grab it. Hang in there, you'll make it.