Thanks Dotsie. I did many things right and was told that over and over again by the people that worked with my son. One of the workers from the juvenile centre told me I had the most patience of anyone he had ever met. (not always a good thing)

I spent many hours in the school system volunteering as he was not an easy student. Always getting up out of his seat, leaving the room etc. Later in high school he was in a special program and I went every day as I worked with his teacher to help him stay on task. He did not like that (and I can understand that as a teen this must have been difficult for him) but he eventually just dropped out, got heavy into drugs and went down hill very quickly. He did go to some alternative schools but only met kids there that got him into worse trouble.

I believe my son was tougher than most and my job as his mother was unbeliveably difficult.

I was just pointing out the things I would do differently if I could. Doesn't mean they would have worked any better.

My son even tells me that he knows how much he put me through. He was on drugs. Drugs make you do crazy things.

He has been a difficult child since birth. Colicky and when he grew older just didn't listen. He started to steal at an early age and I called him on it every time and there were consequences, even taking him to the police station at age 8 so they could talk to him, but he just didn't get it.

Now, at the age of 23 he is finally getting some of it. Kind of like re:learning what he didn't get in his youth. He may have had some brain trauma at birth (he was a high forcep baby) or something else may be going on. I have been told that he has a severe case of ADD and also that he may be bi-polar. His most recent counsellor told me he has oppositional defiant disorder. They seem to have to label for everything these days.

Anyway, I am cherishing these moments as he is doing great.
One day at a time.
Kate