Psycho-Babble Social Thread 773417

Shown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - (

Posted by Kath on August 1, 2007, at 20:32:45

On Monday I received the phonecall & the lady asked if he could come up Thursday. I went outside, asked him & he very reluctantly said OK. Then he came & spoke to her on the phone & apparently he thought she meant for a meeting & when he realized she meant 'admission' he said he'd have to phone her back.

Told me that no - he can't go away for 3 months right now; it's too long a program for him, etc. It was a horrible shock for me, because he'd grudgingly said yes & I'd breathed a BIG sigh of relief!. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. My husband & I (& bio Dad) were of the opinion that the longer he waited to get into rehab the more of a chance he wouldn't go.

SO, now he's broken HIS part of the agreement. For our own sanity, we're lettting him stay with us 'til the end of August, including coming next week to the cottage, home for a week, camping for a week. We can't face 'kicking him out' right now & don't want him to be here alone while we're away.

It sound sorta crazy I guess. I think a LOT of people would say "OK you're OUTTA here!" But we don't want to be worried about the security of our home while we're away. We also want to deal with this in a way in which we KNOW that we've been MORE than fair if he in future tries to do the "you kicked me out" thing.

What a mess families get into when there's addiction. I think it's messed us all up!

I plan to go away for 2 weeks to Camillus Centre to a CoDependency rehab (or co addict). I'm probably just about as sick as he is in this 'dance'.

I told him last night exactly how I felt about his failure to keep his word, & I told him today that I'm not prepared to support him in the route he's going with his life...that 'til the end of August I'm putting it on the back burner since we'll be living together 'til then, but that at that time, I'll be deciding what my involvement will be....that my goal as his parent is to see him independent & healthy.

Once he's not living here, I think the very best thing for me would be to have as LITTLE to do with him as possible. I wonder if it's possible to do that lovingly? I find it confusing.

Anyway, that's the update.

Doing a fair bit of crying these few days.

Kath

 

Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » Kath

Posted by Phillipa on August 1, 2007, at 22:38:10

In reply to SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - (, posted by Kath on August 1, 2007, at 20:32:45

Kath don't want to sound mean isn't he mentally compromised also could you have him committed for a few days and get an evaluation. I don't know if they do that in Canada. I'm so sorry. But the drugs are what he wants now have a strong hold on him. Love Phillipa

 

Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » Kath

Posted by ClearSkies on August 2, 2007, at 8:32:56

In reply to SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - (, posted by Kath on August 1, 2007, at 20:32:45

>
> I told him last night exactly how I felt about his failure to keep his word, & I told him today that I'm not prepared to support him in the route he's going with his life...that 'til the end of August I'm putting it on the back burner since we'll be living together 'til then, but that at that time, I'll be deciding what my involvement will be....that my goal as his parent is to see him independent & healthy.
>

Oh, Kath, I'm sorry things are going this way. This part of your post twanged me deep in my heart. My single most serious issue with my step daughter is her lip service that she's paid to me since we've met. (I think she's a compulsive liar.) Failure to follow through on promises, failure to commit one way or another... sounds familiar, eh? She's now going to counseling with her dad and I'm out of the picture. I don't think I could handle any direct involvement as she triggers me so badly. But she feels betrayed by me, that I've abandoned her, set her up for failure and she doesn't trust me.

My therapist wants me to concentrate on me me me. It feels so selfish and wrong :-( And at the same time I'm so utterly incapable of being of any practical help.

Let your tears fall, Kath, and feel my cyber hugs across the miles. (((((Kath))))

ClearSkies


 

Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - (

Posted by TexasChic on August 2, 2007, at 18:11:53

In reply to Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » Kath, posted by ClearSkies on August 2, 2007, at 8:32:56

I'm sorry he backed out Kath, but it sounds like you've got a pretty good handle on it, even though you may not think so. What you said to him sounded perfect to me! And co-dependency counseling of any kind would be great. I think its very smart to seek out help, because tough love just doesn't come naturally to some of us! And all that co-dependency stuff is too confusing to figure out on your own (IMHO).

Are you part of a support group? I would think talking to other families of addicts would be a great comfort, if only to know there's someone who knows exactly where you're coming from.

Try to stay strong. I'm sending you good vibes.

-T

 

Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » Phillipa

Posted by Kath on August 2, 2007, at 22:12:10

In reply to Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » Kath, posted by Phillipa on August 1, 2007, at 22:38:10

Hi Phillipa,

Unfortunately in Ontario anyhow, it doesn't work like that. Yup he's been diagnosed as schizophrenic, but there was also thought that it was substance induced psychosis. His symptoms (voices mostly) are controlled by his meds except when he does a lot of cocaine/has a big lack of sleep. He says he's been clean from cocaine since July 11 when he came out of detox, where he was by choice.

Thx for your support! hugs, Kath

 

Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » ClearSkies

Posted by Kath on August 2, 2007, at 22:16:34

In reply to Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » Kath, posted by ClearSkies on August 2, 2007, at 8:32:56

> >
> > I told him last night exactly how I felt about his failure to keep his word, & I told him today that I'm not prepared to support him in the route he's going with his life...that 'til the end of August I'm putting it on the back burner since we'll be living together 'til then, but that at that time, I'll be deciding what my involvement will be....that my goal as his parent is to see him independent & healthy.
> >
>
> Oh, Kath, I'm sorry things are going this way. This part of your post twanged me deep in my heart. My single most serious issue with my step daughter is her lip service that she's paid to me since we've met. (I think she's a compulsive liar.) Failure to follow through on promises, failure to commit one way or another... sounds familiar, eh?

........Yup sounds quite familiar!!....

She's now going to counseling with her dad and I'm out of the picture. I don't think I could handle any direct involvement as she triggers me so badly. But she feels betrayed by me, that I've abandoned her, set her up for failure and she doesn't trust me.

.....jeez - that must hurt!!!!! As if you deserve that! NO WAY........

>
> My therapist wants me to concentrate on me me me. It feels so selfish and wrong :-( And at the same time I'm so utterly incapable of being of any practical help.

.........I think that if you (and I too) can concentrate on ourselves in being as postive & healthy and happy as possible, it'll be more easy for us to relate healthily with our kids/stepkids. Maybe this is what your T means. I'm trying to 'get my life back'. Today I actually ALMOST did some pottery!! I HAVE been doing gardening, which I love - love flowers.....


> Let your tears fall, Kath, and feel my cyber hugs across the miles. (((((Kath))))
>
> ClearSkies

......Thanks ClearSkies (I'm so glad you have your old name back). Too bad we weren't close enough to give real hugs & let our tears mix!!

thx for your hugs & ((((((((((((CS)))))))))))

love, Kath

 

Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » TexasChic

Posted by Kath on August 2, 2007, at 22:21:25

In reply to Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - (, posted by TexasChic on August 2, 2007, at 18:11:53

> I'm sorry he backed out Kath, but it sounds like you've got a pretty good handle on it, even though you may not think so. What you said to him sounded perfect to me!

>>>>>>Thanks! That helps me to feel more positive. It's hard to be objective while being RIGHT in the middle of it. Fivefires wrote a post further up on the page. I found it pretty helpful. I've been trying to figure out what the heck my involvement WILL be!!! >>>>>>>

And co-dependency counseling of any kind would be great. I think its very smart to seek out help, because tough love just doesn't come naturally to some of us! And all that co-dependency stuff is too confusing to figure out on your own (IMHO).

>>>>>I really miss CoDependents Anonymous!! The group I went to for 4 years isn't here any more>>>

> Are you part of a support group? I would think talking to other families of addicts would be a great comfort, if only to know there's someone who knows exactly where you're coming from.

>>>>>>I have gone to some Nar-Anon meetings, but don't really find it a great fit. Was going to go to an Al-Anon meeting tonite that I'd gone to some years ago & while it was AL- Anon as opposed to NAR - Anon - it felt really supportive. BUT at 95-ish degrees I was just TOO hot to go anywhere. I'm still looking into trying to find support that's really specific & a good 'fit' for me. I suspect I'll need it!!!!!>>>>>


> Try to stay strong. I'm sending you good vibes.
>
> -T

>>>>>Thanks T - I appreciate your ongoing support. How are you doing?

luv, Kath

 

Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » Kath

Posted by cactus on August 2, 2007, at 22:49:10

In reply to SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - (, posted by Kath on August 1, 2007, at 20:32:45

Kath, I feel your pain, I put my family through some very trying times. Unfortunatly you can lead a camel to water but you can't make him drink. He has to be the one that wants to do it. I hate to sound so negative but unless he wants to do it for himself there really isn't much you can do. He has to do it for himself and the saddest thing is, if that means hitting rock bottom, he might have to go there and learn the really hard way. I wish you and your family all the best. Print this out and show it to him. I also don't want you to stop being supportive but it's just a really crappy situation, just knowing that you're them for him is a very good start, but he has to do it for himself. Peace Kath and good luck

 

Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - (

Posted by Fivefires on August 3, 2007, at 10:15:08

In reply to Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » Kath, posted by cactus on August 2, 2007, at 22:49:10

Will the rehab. ctr accept him back in the future when he's ready? I hope so, as where I am, there are just waiting lists everywhere.

He knows he has a problem. There's a lot to be said for this.

Hitting bottom is often the clincher.

But, the worst part about hitting bottom 'nowadays', is often 'the law' becomes involved.

If this were to happen, he would lose many of his civil liberties and most employers these days require background checks, so such would alter his adult life. I'm sure you've spoken w/ him about this.

I'm jonesin' for some coffee as have fasting lab this a.m. :(

I have a little difficulty w/ CODA. Seems like the 'blaming others' of it bothers me. But, the more knowledge you have, I think the better.

I can't think w/o coffee. o_o

5f

p.s. I'll try babble later if caffeine withdrawal doesn't kill me first!

 

Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » cactus

Posted by Kath on August 3, 2007, at 19:07:35

In reply to Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » Kath, posted by cactus on August 2, 2007, at 22:49:10

Thanks Cactus,

I want to ask; I've heard more than once about 'being there for him'.....

In a case where somebody is using drugs, drinking, partying, etc. what does that mean?

being there to listen if they call? The only time he called (he's only been living with us since the end of June) was to ask for a ride, or to 'borrow' money.

I wonder what 'being there' means? Being there in a healthy way rather than in an 'enabling' way.

:-) thx for your support. hugs, Kath

 

Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - (

Posted by Kath on August 3, 2007, at 19:25:37

In reply to Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - (, posted by Fivefires on August 3, 2007, at 10:15:08

> Will the rehab. ctr accept him back in the future when he's ready? I hope so, as where I am, there are just waiting lists everywhere.

>>>>>He's on the waiting list there right now. He refused the yesterday date. The lady phoned to see if he wanted August 21st & my son didn't get around to calling back, so I called after hours & left a message saying that he couldn't commit to that date, but for now could they keep him on the waiting list to see where he's at when his name comes up next.
I imagine that they won't want to keep him on the waiting list indefinitely.

We've said that we aren't going to support him by letting him live here again, so if he does hit bottom, who knows where he'll live while he's waiting! Maybe a shelter. Oh dear! I'm sure we have big challenges ahead as to holding firm in what we've decided. But he's 'shot himself in the foot' this time, in that he gave a FIRM COMMITMENT to go to rehab as soon as possible & let nothing stand in the way! In the future, I'll just have to pull that from my memory if it comes to that!>>>>>>>

>
> He knows he has a problem. There's a lot to be said for this.

>>>>That's true, although he seems to think the problem is cocaine...and right now he's not doing it, but yes, he does know THAT's a problem. And I can't see him not doing it again. Yes, he's not right now, but he's living with us, no external stresses that will be present when he's on his own. I can't imagine him not ever doing it again & I suspect he'll really 'mess up' if he does.>>>

> Hitting bottom is often the clincher.
>
> But, the worst part about hitting bottom 'nowadays', is often 'the law' becomes involved.
>
> If this were to happen, he would lose many of his civil liberties and most employers these days require background checks, so such would alter his adult life. I'm sure you've spoken w/ him about this.

>>>>>>yeah. The implications are huge. Unfortunately, he's not the same as he was before his psychosis in December. I'm not sure exactly how the meds affect him, but he's not the same. Not as easy to talk to or as sharp.>>>>
>
> I'm jonesin' for some coffee as have fasting lab this a.m. :(
>
> I have a little difficulty w/ CODA. Seems like the 'blaming others' of it bothers me. But, the more knowledge you have, I think the better.

>>>>>yes, it's not perfect for sure, but it did help me get much healthier.>>>

> I can't think w/o coffee. o_o
>
> 5f
>
> p.s. I'll try babble later if caffeine withdrawal doesn't kill me first!

>>>>>>>well, by now you'll have had your coffee!!!

hugs 5f thx for your support luv, Kath

 

Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » Kath

Posted by cactus on August 4, 2007, at 2:25:23

In reply to Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - (, posted by Kath on August 3, 2007, at 19:25:37

No money!!!!! Unless it's for food and go grocery shopping with him and pay for it in front of him. Showing that is the only financial support you can give him, if he desperatly needs rent and you're willing to help, go pay the agent in person to check if he is behind in rent, but do not give him cash!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cash is a big no no. I had a guy ask me for a dollar for a cuppa tea. I said wait here, went and got him a cup of tea and he was furious. Being there emotionally is the best support you can give him, not financial, as in cash!! Good luck hon, it sounds like you're have a rough time but hang in there. There is only 2 paths left now, rehab or rock bottom, I know that sounds harsh but I just want to be totally honest with you. I wish you and your family all the best. Big hugs!!!!!!

 

Re: Hello Kath » Kath

Posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on August 4, 2007, at 8:15:10

In reply to SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - (, posted by Kath on August 1, 2007, at 20:32:45

Hi Kath..

(Waving to you across the cyber-sea...or lake actually...because I don't think you live too far away from me.) Well...damn it just SUCKS....urrgghh..I know. Obvious thing to say. Have you by any chance gotten in touch with the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health in Toronto? (They are on Queen St., I believe.) I think that would be an excellent place for support for both you and your Son. They have 100's of support groups, and some of the best clinicians and researchers in the world regarding psych and addictions dual-diagnosis conditions.

You know...I've gotten to the point where I can only take things in tiny bits of stride. Like, maybe not looking beyond what I have to deal with for the next 2 hours. No, you can't always operate like this...you gotta be responsible for future obligations and concerns. But, I've created this little window of 2 hours, and I force myself to only think of what I am doing at the time. It could be anything..(for me it's things like playing drums or guitar...)..and something you can relate to...which is building and monitoring camp fires. That ALWAYS strikes me with what I guess is in our genetic history, when we where cave-people and awed by fire. Maybe take a shot at that?

There are *some* little tricks you can do to help deal with this, but I know...it doesn't take the 'ouchy' out of it all..heh. But do mental 'First Aid'...never mind the triage and the doctors. I hope you feel better son. Best, Jay :)

 

Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » cactus

Posted by Kath on August 4, 2007, at 12:20:09

In reply to Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » Kath, posted by cactus on August 4, 2007, at 2:25:23

Thx!! We're at No Cash as of now!!

Off to the cottage. Thx for the good advice & support.

hugs, Kath Hope you're well

 

Re: Hello Kath » Jay_Bravest_Face

Posted by Kath on August 4, 2007, at 12:22:44

In reply to Re: Hello Kath » Kath, posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on August 4, 2007, at 8:15:10

Thx Jay. Good post. I'm off to cottage (rent for week) so can't comment in detail.

Yup - I know of the centre in Toronto....must check it out for support for me.

Told my son about a 21 day program they have.

Maybe he'll be interested at some point.

thx Jay, hugs, Kath

I;m an hour north of Toronto; straight up yonge street

 

Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » Kath

Posted by Lonely on August 7, 2007, at 0:23:26

In reply to Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » ClearSkies, posted by Kath on August 2, 2007, at 22:16:34

Guilt is one of the strongest weapons that an addict/alcoholic has so expect it to be projected on to you. That's part of the reason for focusing on you now w/therapist. It's to raise your self esteem, be aware of your needs and to know that it's normal to have needs (need for family, support, love, acceptance, etc.). And, learn some techniques for dealing with the addict/alcoholic not to mention taking your focus off the addict so you can be as relaxed and in control of yourself (and indirectly, then, the addict) as you can be.

I know that they say the addict has to hit bottom first and while that's true, I think they also have to simultaneously figure out that for them there is some sort of alternative even if they have no idea what it is or how it's going to work. Unfortunately, they often don't seem to see "the way" as well as their non addicted families or friends. Sometimes peer group support is most helpful. Just make sure it's healthy support and not co-dependency.

As long as the person is under the influence, they're not in charge of themselves. I really do think that in most cases there is a biological component that will have to be addressed and managed as well as the psychological and moral.

I actually vetoed my hubby's agreement to go to rehab! Seven years later I still think I did the right thing (THIS IS NOT A GOOD CHOICE FOR EVERYONE, THOUGH!) as he's been sober that long. It was just going to be another game for him and ultimately a failure. Instead, he connected w/someone and something clicked in his mind that meant he didn't have to drink - there were other things he could do. So, I guess he hit bottom and found an alternative simultaneously.

Remember, alcohol (and drugs) are baffling, powerful, and cunning. It's kind've like a space alien has invaded their body and mind. Well, it has and it's found a very accepting location! Make that location uncomfortable!

Take care, this is all far easier said than done, I know!


> > > I told him last night exactly how I felt about his failure to keep his word, & I told him today that I'm not prepared to support him in the route he's going with his life...that 'til the end of August I'm putting it on the back burner since we'll be living together 'til then, but that at that time, I'll be deciding what my involvement will be....that my goal as his parent is to see him independent & healthy.
> >
> > Oh, Kath, I'm sorry things are going this way. This part of your post twanged me deep in my heart. My single most serious issue with my step daughter is her lip service that she's paid to me since we've met. (I think she's a compulsive liar.) Failure to follow through on promises, failure to commit one way or another... sounds familiar, eh?
>
> ........Yup sounds quite familiar!!....
>
> She's now going to counseling with her dad and I'm out of the picture. I don't think I could handle any direct involvement as she triggers me so badly. But she feels betrayed by me, that I've abandoned her, set her up for failure and she doesn't trust me.
>
> .....jeez - that must hurt!!!!! As if you deserve that! NO WAY........
>
> >
> > My therapist wants me to concentrate on me me me. It feels so selfish and wrong :-( And at the same time I'm so utterly incapable of being of any practical help.
>
> .........I think that if you (and I too) can concentrate on ourselves in being as postive & healthy and happy as possible, it'll be more easy for us to relate healthily with our kids/stepkids. Maybe this is what your T means. I'm trying to 'get my life back'. Today I actually ALMOST did some pottery!! I HAVE been doing gardening, which I love - love flowers.....
>
>
> > Let your tears fall, Kath, and feel my cyber hugs across the miles. (((((Kath))))
> >
> > ClearSkies
>
> ......Thanks ClearSkies (I'm so glad you have your old name back). Too bad we weren't close enough to give real hugs & let our tears mix!!
>
> thx for your hugs & ((((((((((((CS)))))))))))
>
> love, Kath

 

Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » Lonely

Posted by Kath on August 13, 2007, at 21:47:50

In reply to Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » Kath, posted by Lonely on August 7, 2007, at 0:23:26

Thx for the wise, supportive words!

they mean alot to me & are helpful.

:-) Kath

 

Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » Kath

Posted by cactus on August 14, 2007, at 7:05:31

In reply to Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » Lonely, posted by Kath on August 13, 2007, at 21:47:50

Are you back from your break???? If so was it nice to get away from everything. I hope it was

 

Back from week away renting cottage » cactus

Posted by Kath on August 14, 2007, at 12:32:24

In reply to Re: SO - now it's 'no' to rehab......... : - ( » Kath, posted by cactus on August 14, 2007, at 7:05:31

Hi Cactus,

Yup, I'm back.

It was great, really. Hubby & son & I got along famously. We usually do, really. Son isn't a problem in that way most of the time.

Of course, me being Mrs. Queen of Worrying, worried about how many cigarettes my son was smoking (often 3 king-sized within 10 minutes); where he was going to live come September & would he still be stuck with his stupid plan to buy a van, park it at the Community Centre parking lot (he doesn't even have a license) or camp under the bridge!!! I had a HUGE job controlling my mind, so it was an extremely challenging holiday for me in that regard. I was able to have quite a bit of help from an accupressure-tapping method that I use (site: www.emofree.com) It helped me sort of keep my sanity. I was really sort of being compulsive about watching my son like a hawk & wondering, 'is he OK; is he thinking about his GF that left him; is he lonely?' On & ON & ON!!!

We swam, read, hiked, relaxed, went on a sunset boat cruise along the Bruce Penninsula shoreline (beautiful).

I want to try to post some photos to share.

How are you doing?

hugs, Kath

 

Re: Back from week away renting cottage » Kath

Posted by cactus on August 14, 2007, at 19:08:13

In reply to Back from week away renting cottage » cactus, posted by Kath on August 14, 2007, at 12:32:24

Sounds nice Kath, but since it winter here and it's been really frosty the last 2 mornings, I just couldn't imagine swimming at the moment. At least the days are nice. Anyway I'm doing ok, had a med adjustment, my pdoc put me back on rivotril (clonazepam) which was a terrible drug to take while drinking, but now it's quite amazing. I much prefered valium but this is working much better for me now. I finally managed to stay sober for 1 third of a year which I'm very happy about!!!!
Do you think your son is just saying these crazy things about sleeping under bridges etc.. for attention or is he really set on the idea? It must be so hard for you, my sister and I put the family through the ringer and now the guilt is just almost to much to bear. I was a drinker and she was an IV drug user. I still have another sister who is drinking way too much and so is my father. They have to figure that out for themselves though. I've had some amazing chats with my dad lately and he asked me how I did it. I just explained to him the one day at a time theory and he is getting up to 3-4 alcohol free days a week now. I don't preach to him or my sister but answer questions when they ask, which is becoming more frequent because I never instigate the conversation and I'm not pushy or in their face about it which I think really helps. Good luck Kath, my heart goes out to you. Please feel free to babblemail me anytime but the response might be a little late considering the time difference from Australia, big hugs X

 

Son really focusing on making music » cactus

Posted by Kath on August 15, 2007, at 13:02:39

In reply to Re: Back from week away renting cottage » Kath, posted by cactus on August 14, 2007, at 19:08:13

Thx so much Cactus. I think that's wonderful about your Dad asking you & now having some alcohol-free days!!! And big congratulations on your huge accomplishment of sobriety for such a long time!! (((((you)))))

My son has lived on the streets. The most recent time was last summer in Vancouver, B.C.
So I know he's capable of doing it.

BUT the good thing is that day before yesterday, my husband & I had a talk with him & the end result of it was our son calling his mental health worker to arrange an appointment with her to help him find a place to live. The problem is that he's on a disability pension & the amount they 'allow' for rent is SOOOO low that I don't know how he's going to find a place, but I am doing pretty well at knowing that's HIS thing & he has her support to do it.

My son is really into DJ-ing - 'mixing' music...they use 2 turntables with vinyl records; have earphones, play 1 record through speakers & when they've silently set up the other using headphones, so it fits in with the first one, they start playing it on the speakers also. My son doesn't have his turntables any more, but my husband has a music program (Reason - sp?) on his computer & our son has been using it to create music. He used it ALOT at the cottage & gets right into being VERY focused on it. We are impressed at how the results are improving greatly in quality. (It's not our type of music, but we can still appreciate it). It's electronic music, but some sounds are like real instruments.
Anyway, our son has said more than once that he'd like to eventually go to school for sound engineering. His most recent 'piece' is really pretty darned impressive! We decided to 'grab' this positive interest & see what we could do.

We made our decision & pointed out to our son that when he moves in Sept he won't have the use of his Dad's computer & program; as he's obviously good at it & enjoys it, we'd like to see him continue with his music & how would he like to have his own computer to do so. He said yes & that he though it was pretty amazing that we would support him in it; lots of parents wouldn't. So then hubby pointed out that, of course you couldn't do it from a van or a tent. Son said, yes, he'd just been thinking the same thing. I pointed out that he is 23 & we love him & want to see him going forward in a positive way in his life & living on the streets just doesn't fit in with that; that it's a pivotal time for him to decide which way he wants his life to go.
We said this offer is for NOW....not after a few months on the streets. And that the computer would happen after our son was in his place. The dwelling had to happen first!
So he's 'on board' about it.
I had gotten SO worked up about the possibility of him being on the street that I couldn't relax about it even though he was on board (I guess that isn't surprising given his recent 'turn about' regarding going to rehab!)
Anyway, he meets with his worker tomorrow. I have no idea how they're going to solve the limited funds part! But I'm really trying to do a positive 'mantra' of "I am relaxed & happy. My son is being taken care of by the Universe & the Universe will provide for all his needs"

SO!!!! Long-winded Kath, as usual!!!

Anyhow, I'm trying to really relax into things being OK. This summer I've had to go through some pretty horrible stuff & have spent an inordinant amount of time worrying. I want to see if I can enjoy the rest of it!

You know, it's pretty hard to relax when there has been SO much stress & chaos generated by the same person. It feels like, "OK - what's going to happen next?"

I know in the scheme of things, I am very fortunate. I have worry & anxiety, but mostly, I don't have big depression (except in winter). I have a really kind, nice, supportive husband, I don't have big financial worries. I have 2 really nice kids (although 1 has big health problems & 1 has big addiction problems). I have a lovely cat & a super-cute lizard. I have nice flower gardens that I can enjoy. I have people here & in real life who are amazingly supportive.
Lots to be thankful for!!!

So I'll end on that positive note!!

hugs, Kath

 

Re: ((((BIG HUGS)))) » Kath

Posted by cactus on August 16, 2007, at 6:41:57

In reply to Son really focusing on making music » cactus, posted by Kath on August 15, 2007, at 13:02:39

thankyou and all the best. I hope he takes up the musical route. I did a bit of that for awhile. No turntables but computer stuff. It helped keep me focused through a rough break up


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