Getting my son into college--Christian content

[Guest guest]

, remember, it's not just the foster kids or adopted children who act this way. I know of many families who have gone through the same thing with their birth children. One of the most helpful things for me is a little book called "The Return of the Prodigal Son," by Henri Nouwen. Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic priest who became fascinated by Rembrandt's painting of the Prodigal Son. The book offers us the perspective of the younger son, the elder son, and the father. Nouwen explains how he has been both sons at different times, but that he knows he is called to be the father, who loves without expecting anything in return. I have read this book, and passages of it, countless times. I too want to be like the father, but it's so hard to give up those expectations. I truly believe that striving for that has been the main thing that has kept me going when my children & grandchildren have let me down. You can buy it on Amazon for as little as $10 new (paperback). For an idea of Nouwen's writing, here is one of my favorite quotes: "When we honestly ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares." - Out of Solitude

Don't give up hope, my special friend. Damon knows, and appreciates, all that you have given him. Right now, as a pod person, he may not be able to express it, but I guarantee he knows. And he loves you, as he always has.

Ramblin' RoseModerator A merry heart is good medicine. Proverbs 17:22 Peek-a-boo FREE Tricks Treats for You! Get 'em!