Wednesday, January 23, 2008

A Proud Moment!

I just received excellent news today that my 17 year old son received his high school diploma (no longer called the GED). This is an extreme milestone because I was very afraid he was heading in the wrong direction. He received his diploma BEFORE any of his teen classmates—his slated graduation date would have been June 2008 but he received his 6 months early. I had fought for many years to steer him in the right direction.

I considered my teen an at risk young man because he had been expelled from school, he had an extremely defiant attitude/behavior and didn’t have the ambition or motivation to do anything with his life. Coming from a hardworking family, his behavior was a complete slap in the face. I couldn’t understand how we got to this point. To make a long story short: after taking our vehicle without permission, punching holes in our wall and turning over furniture, my husband and I had enough. He was referred to the Department of Juvenile Services and subsequently became the resident of a group home for boys. The placement has been a Godsend because after only 6 months, I have seen a complete change in my son’s attitude. He now has goals and aspirations for HIS future—just what a parent wants.

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