August 18, 2003

BIG MOUTH

a two-month cocaine binge -- $8,000

intensive out-patient treatment for 8 weeks -- $6,000

two-months of drug rehab in the utah desert -- $20,000

the look on an old friend's face when you tell them your son's a recovering drug addict -- say it with me -- PRICELESS

you see, this is the weirdest part of me. part of me knows this is strange, but it REALLY is that i am not ashamed of this kid. i'm incredibly proud. i do believe this addiction was the greatest gift of his life. "god" said: "fix yourself or die, kid. you've got problems. THIS one will lead you to people and strategies that will help you fix YOU."

but i DO know i freak people out, and i'm always kinda sorry for that. i guess not TOO sorry, cuz here i am maybe freaking out some of you who don't know about this.

but that's probably why i started this thing -- a lot of the reason for it anyway. there are a lot of addicts out there and a lot of kids with problems. they've -- i hope -- got parents who see the real kid and adore that kid and won't give up on that kid. i hope.

cuz most of the rest of the world already has.

Posted by Stacey at August 18, 2003 07:01 PM
Comments

That was a very expensive gift from God! I hope mine gift doesn't cost me nearly as much...

You should be very proud!
-d

Posted by: d at August 18, 2003 07:31 PM

sting -- and i'm sure somebody else -- said: nothing comes from nothing. nothing ever should.

Posted by: stacey at August 18, 2003 07:38 PM

Jackson rocks!

Posted by: Kathy Howe at August 18, 2003 08:15 PM

Jackson sounds like a strong kid and you should be proud! I had my own demons with cocaine and I know it isn't an easy habit to kick.

He's lucky to have a supportive parent like you in his corner.

Posted by: Michelle at August 18, 2003 11:16 PM

My son is depressed at the moment and I'm sick of people saying "He's the last person blah blah blah" I think we expect everyone to fit into the same mould, why should they? You know that Jackson will be a stronger, more tolerant person for what he's been through, I think my son will be the same (If he ever recovers). I think you're right.

Posted by: Anji at August 19, 2003 04:23 AM

You deserve to be proud and Jackson deserves to be proud. I have never taken drugs but I do smoke (Cartier Menthol - not dope) and I know how difficult it is to kick the habit. You go girl!

Posted by: Michelle at August 19, 2003 02:32 PM

Isn't that "nothing comes from nothing" schtick from The Sound of Music? "Somewhere in my youth or childhood I must have done something good."

Posted by: Shelly at August 20, 2003 03:54 PM