A bit soppy but.....

[TheOneWithTheHair]

I want to tell everyone how damn proud I am of ds1.

A couple of years ago I was seriously worried about him. He was on the verge of full blown depression and I felt he was going to retire from life outside his bedroom.

This time last year he dropped out of college having only just scraped the GCSEs he needed for his catering course. He said all the right things, I'll get a job, I'll move out at 18, I'll learn more in work,etc. well, as you'll appreciate, there's not much you can do to change the mind of a stubborn and depressed 17yo but I wasn't happy.

Update now is that he went out, got a full time job in a great kitchen that cooks everything fresh, he found his own flat and sorted his bills, spending and saving. He moved two weeks ago and the best thing is, over the last year he found his passion and purpose.

He's great company, has no qualms about asking dh and me for help if he needs it, loves to meet for lunch on his days off, especially because we pay.

I'm so grateful that he's happy and has turned into a happy, independent, decent member of society. I sometimes thought it would never happen but he's done it quicker than anyone thought he would.

Anyway, sorry for the essay but I couldn't help myself.

[ThreeLannistersOneTargaryen]

This is a lovely post and gives me hope that there's light at the end of the tunnel for DS1. We are at the beginning of the journey (awaiting CAMHS appt). Your DS1 sounds great; well done him for turning everything around.

[hockeymama]

Wow no wonder you are proud. my son moans when I don't have his packed lunch ready for sixth form on time! You should be proud and I hope you tell him frequently. Well done !

[Theas18]

How absolutely wonderful for you both :)

It's...umm.. Very hay feverish isn't it...sniffle :)

You've done a great job mamma!

[Haggisfish3]

Aw, that's ace. Well done to all if you!

[TheOneWithTheHair]

Thank you.

I hoped people on this board would understand the hopelessness you feel sometimes.

hockeymama, I tell him all the time but he just rolls his eyes at me. I'm going to carry on though.

It's nice to put a positive story on here. I've had a few desperate ones, under nchanges.

[Cooroo]

Lovely to hear good news!

[pilates]

What a lovely post, thanks for sharing with us. You must be very proud

[scratchandsniff]

I love this!

[smileyforest]

Fantastic! Gives me hope ! :)

[TheOneWithTheHair]

Thanks everyone.

[Mrsjayy]

Och thats lovely he sounds great of course you should be very proud of him

[Cocolepew]

That's lovely to hear .
My DD had a breakdown at 11 and is doing her gcse's atm. Thankfully she is coping ok.
Stories like yours gives me hope.
You must be so proud .

[Chocaholicmonster]

What a beautiful post! You have ever right to feel proud of what your son has achieved. Lovely news - Thank you for sharing! x

[psych63]

so great to see a post like this-hopefully things can turn round-no wonder you are proud of your ds1. my ds1 withdrew fron uni this year with depression and altho he is better noe he still hasnt decided if he will go back and doesnt tell us anything. DS2 dropped out during his 1st term but now has 2 jobs and is starting another course at uni in september. such a rollercoaster with them

[Princessjonsie]

This post made me smile. Well done to you and your son. Hope he continues to flourish

[yougotafriend]

Brilliant story, my ds1 is the same age enrolled in college but hated it, he's scraped thru yr1 and has decided to finish the course, it's been a tough yr for him and I know what you mean about having to trust what they say when you really want to take control. I fully expect him to not only leave home, but the UK when he's finished as he has a real wanderlust, but at least he'll have some transferable skills to take with him.... fingers crossed

[paulkal]

What a great story. Very inspiring for the niece I have who has just done well in her GCSEs but doesn't quite know what to do next. It's more a case of relating to people as you describe your son. I will certainly pass your son's experience onto my sister.