I have really had to pray about the feelings I've had towards my son. I got a bill for $350.00 in parking tickets at his school, just because he could care less. This on top of a lot of other stuff. I chose a beautiful picture of him as a baby. Then I waited until I was not angry with him. I wrote him a very long letter. I asked him to consider this picture not him, but his child. Asked him to think about the lies, deception, using of parents, drug, etc. and asked how he would feel about his child being this way. Reinforced how much we love him, but cannot continue to "enable" his behavior by supplementing his income. He had once again "talked" me into gas money Friday night. Husband checked tank Sat. a.m. and it was empty. Husband took vehicle and put gas in it (so he can work/go to school) and told me not to give him anymore $$. If he needs something, he can make time to go with me so I can purchase it. I also reinforced our willingness to do anything it takes to help him kick the problem he has. I've also told him if I find anymore "evidence" or come home to doors standing wide open again he will have to find other living arrangements.<P>He has not commented on the letter, but did hug me goodbye this morning before leaving for school. My letter wa very long, and I hope he knows it was out of love and will take it in that spirit. Thanks for your prayers.<BR><p>[This message has been edited by Janie (edited March 19, 2001).]

You're in my prayers. Be strong. God is with you, even now.

I will keep him in my prayers. What an inspiration you had to send him that letter. <P>Jesus, help this loving mother and father have the strength to go through the pain of helping their son kick his drug habit. Help them trust in You. Guide their every action when it comes to this son. Remind them each time they see him to pray to the Holy Spirit for inspiration. Let them not fear his angry outbursts or apparent withdrawal of love.Let them look beyond the current situation so they have more perspective whenever a new twist comes up. This son has been reached now and he is no longer able to deny the love of his parents. This will help heal him, Lord, but addictions are so powerful. Help his parents' faith and love so move him that he turns around and becomes an inspiration to others. Help him stay away from his friends. If he needs to get away for a while, inspire his parents to go on a trip with him to a place with clean air and physical activity to keep him focused on the positive. Life is Your gift to us, Lord. Help this son to open the package You gave him and discover how beautiful life can be. Amen.