To Mark

[Guest guest]

Dear Mark,

I appreciate the advice, but my son hasn't lived with me since he was

about 14. He's in a gang that originated in California. He used to

deny it, but when he got beat up (he was 14 at the time), I knew he

had been " jumped in. " He's lived on the streets, literally, b/c the

family has cut him off. He was beaten & stabbed one night by 3 guys

jumping him while he was alone. He steals so he can feed his heroine

addiction. He will be 20 in April, & has Hep C. The only reason he

was able to steal my meds is b/c my other son let him in while I was

not here. After that, I did get a lock box. I've done all I can for

him...I even begged a rehab center to take him. He detoxed for 10

days (should normally only be 7 days), & stayed for about 10 days, &

was asked to leave b/c there were other people who really wanted to

be there & he was taking their place. I even got numbers for

shelters within 100 miles for him but he said he'd rather die than go

to one. I think he said that to work on my guilt, but it didn't

work. He's actually spent more of his teen life locked up than out.

I have to let go of him every day. I feel like he's already gone, &

I'm just in limbo, waiting until I have to put him in the ground.

The hardest part is knowing there's nothing I can do. I'm helpless.

I'm just grateful for my younger son, who is 18, & brings me a lot of

joy.

Hugs,

Deanna Tubb

New Mexico PAI Rep

> To the person whose kid was stealing there meds.....I would say

first of all...get yourself a Metal Lockbox...they are fairly cheap

and put all of your narcotics in there.....That is the safest thing

you can do.....Also, some counseling for your Son is also in order to

prevent him from having further problems down the road. If he does

indeed have a problem with narcotics, an intervention is needed and a

program like N.A will be helpful also. I am sorry you are having

such a hard time. I hope this finds you and yours well.

>

> Mark

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