The holidays are difficult for families with Troubled Teens. Especially for those that have teens in treatment; I know I have had many and even though mine is not in treatment this holiday does not look like it is going to be easy. Troubled Teen Blog was conceived on a Thanksgiving weekend check the archives. This blog has become quite a diary for me. It was four years ago that my son was sent to residential treatment. On Thanksgiving of his first months in treatment we were scheduled to visit so that we could all be together. The day before we were scheduled to leave our son lost his privileges and we were told by the staff of the treatment center not to visit. What a lonely Thanksgiving that was with nowhere to go and only a reminder of how our family was torn apart and never to be the same again. Over that long weekend I sat behind my computer and created Troubled Teen Blog.
It seems history may be repeating itself but with a different flavor. This Thanksgiving my “troubled teen”, who is now 19, will not be with us and we will not talk to him unless he happens to call. I saw him last week he is living on the streets in an Occupy Wall Street camp. Not so thrilled to see me but we sat and talked for a short time. He is one of the homeless, chooses to be homeless and lucky for the OWS movement since it makes homelessness stylish at this time. As stylish as it may be with the holidays around the corner for some reason this is not right and difficult.
The story book holidays are special times when families come together making happy memories and have a jolly time. It is with great sadness that my family will have a different memory. I keep telling myself to get over it but it continues to burden me with the memories of everything that has gone wrong. Last night I had a melt down and made everyone’s life in my house miserable. I will not do that again and I will NOT suffer through these holidays. There is too much to be thankful for and too many wonderful people to share it with. My son chooses a different life style.
For those of you with heavy hearts at this time of year let’s do this together and rise up. We can’t allow others choices to bring us down.
Wishing all of you a Happy Thanksgiving and much gratitude for all you have contributed to Troubled Teen Blog throughout these ongoing Troubled Teen years.
Gobble-Gobble!
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As someone who has worked with troubled teens in residenti
Al treatment centers since 1984 and currently in a county childrens 30day evaluation placement.center its good to remember the parents perspective when we help prepare them for these visits.
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Suzanne, I am glad to hear about your sons progress and taking responsibility. It is really difficult for these kids. “Progress not perfection!”
Happy Thanksgiving.
I have been in your shoes. My 18 year old cannot join us this Thanksgiving due to work commitments. Thankfully, he is now off the streets, paying rent for the last 4 months, working and taking a couple classes at the junior college. There’s still a drug issue – but it is waning – as far as I can tell. But I’m thankful. We can choose to have a happy holiday and to count our blessings every day.
Thank you for the reminder. We must count all our blessings. Even if some are difficult to understand.
Perfectly stated! I have been going through the exact same feelings about my troubled teen and this holiday. Unfortunately, it is cold here now, so I have the added stress of my son’s choices and a harsh winter ahead. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you out there wearing these “shoes” this holiday. I have chosen to count my teen among my blessings in hope that his future will be brighter.