The Partnership For A Drug Free America has posted another one of my essay's. This is one that you may remember, many of you commented that you really liked.
I really do read the comments and listen to you ALL. Thank you all so much for your wisdom.
I'm Sorry Officer, I Didn't See The Sign
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9 comments:
I have racked my brain over this and frankly, though I was not a perfect parent, I cannot find many accusations. I was extremely intentional about my parenting, creating a healthy environment, a fun home, making memories, bedtime talks, insisting on responsibility and accountability... (the list is long)
There was plenty of environmental factors to ready-the-soil for my son's addiction; a father who used and abused (still does); growing up without a dad; growing up with too much time alone due to a mom that worked full-time and across town; my own drug use during my teen years (serious, tho never addicted).
I do recall, however, one time catching Daniel and his friends drinking beer and then stashing the evidence so I wouldn't find it.
I had the 'serious talk' with him. Reported the incident to other parents. And then figured this was typical teen behavior - not to worry - after all, I did much worse...Guilty, Officer
Unfortunately parents of addicts usually blame themselves for their child's addiction. The fact that drugs and alcohol are powerful substances and will make a victims of just about anyone, no matter what their upbringing, does not help to take the guilt away.
Thanks Ron for what you do to bring awareness and help to those dealing with family members who are addicted.
I knew she smoked some pot. She also knew some kids who were doing cocaine but she was apalled by their stupidity and how they made their parents suffer. The fact that she told me these things made me feel safer. If their friends are into these things that is very bad. I wish I had tried to get her away from them sooner. I really respected her at 16 and thought she was much older than her years.
Guilty officer.
I can be so embarrassed at how blind I was... BUT... at the same time... TODAY I know her drug use isn't my fault.
Great article, and like Syd said, thanks for bringing awareness...
God bless.
I did the best I could. I grounded her, I dragged her out of drug houses, I didn't have alcohol in the house, I tried to limit her association with certain people (amongst other things). Nothing worked. Nothing I did changed anything. Maybe I didn't try hard enough. Maybe I tried the wrong things. But from the very first time she got drunk at age 14, I tried. And I did the best I could.
Carolyn
Carolyn,
Don't feel bad, the article isn't about making us feel guilty, we all did the same things. It's about sharing our reflections and flashing big yellow caution lights to parents with kids coming up. Heather's Mom said the right thing. Their drug addiction is not our fault. We just get left holding the bag and cleaning up the mess.
I wanted to say kudos for all your success from this site, from your wisdom, sage counsel and for the amazingly kind and open heart you have managed to retain during these very trying times! I applaud and commend you ( like it means anything). You really are someone I can admire! Thank you!
Jan,
It does mean something.
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